UPDATE: Village rallies to help fire victims

Firefighters were called to tackle a blaze at a bungalow in Copthorne Road, Copthorne, on Sunday (November 22).

The fire broke out at around 12.30pm and raged for more than four hours, destroying 90 per cent of the building.

Donations are being collected by The Cherry Tree pub, in Copthorne Bank, for the victims of blaze who ‘lost everything’.

Lucinda Higareda, landlady, said: “We are doing this because a regular who comes into the pub asked if we could take in some donations.

“I think they lost everything.

“It was awful. I actually saw it. I was driving past it and it just saw the blaze taking hold. When I saw the flames I just though oh my God. It was tragic but I am thankful everyone is okay.”

The pub is collecting donations including clothes, shoes and toiletries.

Lucinda added: “We have got quite a few building up, we have got about 12 bags of stuff at the moment.

“Copthorne is quite a close village and we are really lucky.”

The pub will be taking donations until tomorrow evening. If you would like to help, drop off your donations at the pub.

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