Fire breaks out at disused St Leonards convent
Dan JessupFirefighters are tackling a blaze which has broken out at a disused convent in East Sussex.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) were called to the College Of The Holy Child Jesus on Magdalen Road in St Leonards at about 17:00 BST.
Thick plumes of smoke billowed through the sky as crews from several engines deal with the fire. There have been no reports of any injuries.
A spokesperson for ESFRS has warned people living nearby to keep their doors and windows closed due to the thick black smoke rising from the building.
"Please avoid the area as roads are being closed," they added.
Police and electricity operator UK Power Networks are also in attendance.
It is believed the fire broke out on the third floor of the former Catholic college, which closed in 1976.
It was later used as a language school before falling into disrepair, although its chapel remains Grade II listed.
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