Gym badly smoke damaged in blaze

The Fitness First building in Queen's Road was badly damaged

More than 70 firefighters have been tackling a blaze at a gym in Brighton which was badly damaged by smoke.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called to the blaze, in the basement and first floor of Fitness First gym in Queen's Road, just before 0100 BST.

At its height, 12 fire engines were in attendance, and several roads near Brighton railway station were closed.

At one point, some 40 fire crew were searching the five-storey building which was badly smoke-logged.

It was initially feared there might be people inside, but no injuries were reported.

The fire was brought under control by 0530 BST and firefighters later left the scene. The roads surrounding the area were reopened in time for the morning rush-hour.

Fire crews were due to return later on Thursday morning, along with a fire investigation unit.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said that at the moment there appeared to be no suspicious circumstances.

A fire service spokesman said it was not known when the gym would reopen.

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