Building fire linked to charging e-bike

A man was treated for burns after the fire

A man has been injured in a fire at a property in Eastbourne, which East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) said could be linked to a charging e-bike.

Two crews were sent to the blaze in a house of multiple occupation (HMO) in Whitley Road at about 19:30 GMT on Wednesday.

A fire service spokesperson said: "The fire was likely to have been caused by an e-bike battery being charged in the communal area."

ESFRS is warning the public about the dangers of charging batteries indoors.

Station manager protection Scott Saunders said: ‘’East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service recognise people don’t always understand the risks associated with charging e-bikes and e-scooters.

"Make sure you buy them from a reputable supplier and store and charge them safely to keep your families, homes and others safe.

"If you have to keep them indoors make sure you store them away from escape routes and do not block any exits,” he said.