Worthing fire crews battle youth centre blaze

Emergency calls to the Quayside Youth Centre, in Upper Kingston Lane, Southwick, came in at 7.30pm on Sunday.

Two fire engines from Shoreham were sent but when they arrived additional fire crews were mobilized from Hove, Lancing and Worthing.

The two storey building, purpose built as a youth centre, contains a sports hall, function room, offices and recreation room.

The firefighters were faced with a severe fire that had already badly damaged the ground floor and was burning through to the floor above.

Worthing District Commander Roy Barraclough said: "Crews did well to restrict the main seat of the fire damage to 25 per cent of the ground floor but considerable damage had already been caused throughout the building by a combination of fire, heat and smoke.

"At this stage we are keeping an open mind on the cause.

"Fire investigation officers, plus police scenes of crime officers will be examining the evidence and speaking to witnesses before being able to determine a cause"

A total of 45 firefighters attended the fire.