A huge fire has broken out at a disused convent in East Sussex with emergency crews battling the blaze.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service received the initial alert at 5.03pm regarding the blaze at the former College of the Holy Child Jesus on Magdalen Road in St Leonards.
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.
