LIVE: Ukraine 'refugees' evacuated from huge fire at 400-year-old hotel in Sussex

Refugees from war torn Ukraine have reportedly been evacuated from a devastating fire at an historic hotel in West Sussex this morning (Thursday, March 16).

Dozens of firefighters are battling the “significant fire” at a 400-year-old Angel Inn in the picturesque market town of Midhurst. Photos from the scene show that the blaze has spread to the Angel Inn from the roof of another historic building. It's understood that a number of refugees from Ukraine were staying at the hotel and have had to be evacuated.

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Hilton Holloway, who lives opposite the hotel, told Sussex live that the fire spread from Victorian building next to Angel Inn and the that the inn "is now gutted".

Mr Holloway, an award-winning motoring journalist, said he spoke to one young Ukranian women who had been evacuated. "She seemed relatively calm," said Mr Holloway.

He said that Fire and Rescue Service believes everyone has now been evacuated. Local residents have been told to keep their doors and windows closed due to the amount of smoke coming from the blaze at the establishment on North Street.

There are currently ten fire engines, an aerial ladder platform, water carrier and an off-road vehicle in attendance at the incident, while there are reported to be dozens of firefighters currently tackling the flames.

Scroll down to read more updates from our sister website Sussex Live.