The fire, which has destroyed the new club in The Martlets and damaged the Pulse bar below, began at around 2am this morning.

More than 100 firefighters and 18 appliances from East and West Sussex and Surrey attended the scene.

Gary Townsen, press spokesperson for West Sussex Fire and Rescue said it was a dangerous operation for those involved as the fire was difficult to reach, he added: "We tried to get in through the first floor windows but they were blocked by bricks so we had to smash our way through them. Just at that point the roof collapsed. If there were firefighters in there we could have lost somebody. The good news is there was no-one in the club."

Smoke billowed across the shopping centre and flames shot from the roof of Redd as the fire crews fought the blaze through the early hours of this morning. Eyewitnesses say the flames could be seen from as far away as the A23.

Redd Club has found itself in the headlines recently for being the first lap dancing club in Burgess Hill. Residents have expressed mixed feelings towards the gentleman's club.

Police are examining CCTV footage of outside the club to try and establish the cause of the fire. Fire investigators say it is too early to speculate whether it was arson or not.

West Sussex Fire Brigade warned there would disruption to the centre while the scene of the fire was checked.

Civic Way and Lower Church Road are currently closed and some access to the Martlets is restricted. However emergency services say access will be improved within the next couple of hours.

Full report in the Mid Sussex Times

Police: Lap dancing club fire was arson

Lap dance club blaze footage

Further report and slideshow