Eight fire engines and four ambulances attended the scene in Sackville Road and there was a strong police presence. Flames shot through the roof of a first floor flat above shops on the western side of the road. Thick smoke reduced visibility down the road to 40 yards. The blaze broke out at around 8.30am. Part of the roof collapsed. Two hours later it was unclear whether anyone remained trapped inside the building. As midday approached, Sackville Road - leading from the railway arch to the seafront - remained closed.