Four trapped in Littlehampton flat fire

FOUR people had to be rescued from their homes in Littlehampton when a fire ignited in their flat complex, trapping them.
By Tom Cotterill
Published 11th Apr 2013, 10:28 BST
Emergency services attend the blaze in South Terrace, Littlehampton, which trapped four people PHOTO: Eddie MitchellEmergency services attend the blaze in South Terrace, Littlehampton, which trapped four people PHOTO: Eddie Mitchell
Emergency services attend the blaze in South Terrace, Littlehampton, which trapped four people PHOTO: Eddie Mitchell

The blaze sparked at about 4.04am this morning (Thursday, April 11) when a wheelchair was caught fire in the ground floor hallway of a block of flats in South Terrace.

Two fire crews from Littlehampton and one from East Preston rushed to the scene to discover the residents trapped inside.

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Fire survival guidance had to be relayed by telephone as the occupants were unable to escape their homes.

Two people, a 44-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman needed oxygen therapy following the fire, which was extinguished by 4.54am.

The incident was initially treated as a suspected arson attack.

However, following an investigation by fire officials and police, a spokeswoman from West Sussex Fire and Rescue confirmed that the blaze was accidental, citing carelessly disposed, lit cigarettes as the cause.

Related topics:East Preston