UPDATE: Major fire investigation launches in Eastbourne

Monday, 20 October 2025 09:16

By Philip Keeler @keeler_philip

Road block around fire Credit: Philip Keeler

Firefighters have brought under control a large blaze at a disused school in Eastbourne.

Police are appealing for information following a suspected arson in Eastbourne.

A fire broke out at the former Moira House School on Upper Carlisle Road around 5:40 on Sunday evening.

Officers believe it was started deliberately and are trying to trace four boys seen at the site earlier in the day.

No one was hurt, and police are urging anyone who saw anything suspicious or has video footage to contact them.

Witnesses say the flames lit up the sky across the Meads area.

Eight appliances including two aerial ladder platforms are in attendance from Eastbourne, Pevensey, Hailsham, Boheamia Road, Seaford, Bexhill, Lewes, Roadean and Preston Circus.

Firefighters used jets from the ground and two main jets from the aerial ladder platforms to fight the fire.

Police are conducting enquiries, and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant CCTV, dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone footage to come forward.

In particular, anyone who saw something suspicious in the area between 3.30pm and 6pm is asked to come forward.

Information can be reported to Sussex Police online, quoting serial 936 of 19/10.

Further updates to follow...

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