Two boats sink after explosions and fire at marina

Fire crews remained on the scene until the early hours of Thursday

Two boats have sunk and several others were damaged after a fire broke out at a marina in West Sussex.

Emergency services attended the blaze at Premier Chichester Marina in Birdham at about 21:14 BST on Wednesday after reports of explosions being heard on one of the vessels.

A spokesperson for Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team (SCRT) said the fire then spread to a second boat and a number of others moored on the same pontoon.

A cordon was put in place while firefighters attempted to extinguish the flames and people were advised to avoid the area.

The SCRT spokesperson added: "The team was paged to reports of a fire and explosions heard on a vessel in Chichester Marina.

"West Sussex Fire Service were also on scene with multiple appliances.

"A cordon was put in place while the fire service tried to put out the fire as explosions continued.

"The fire spread to a second vessel and damaged several others close by.

"Unfortunately, the two vessels weren't able to be saved and both sunk."

A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said: "Three fire engines were mobilised and crews remained on scene until 01:05 BST on Thursday.

"Residents were reminded to stay away to allow crews to work safely."