A huge fire has taken hold of a hotel in Brighton.

People have urged to avoid the area surrounding the Royal Albion as flames spread.

High winds have hampered efforts to tame the blaze.

Dramatic videos posted by BhaHarvey on Twitter shows bright orange flames darting through the night sky.

Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, tweeted: ‘My thoughts with everyone affected by this. Very sad scenes from the Royal Albion hotel.

‘Huge thanks to all the emergency services who are on the scene. Keep safe everyone.’

‘There are still no reports of injuries.

‘We still strongly advise locals to avoid the area and to close windows and doors.’

A further update is expected at 10.30pm.

Local residents have been told to avoid the area and close windows and doors while crews work to tackle the blaze.

In a statement, Sussex Police said on Twitter: ‘We are continuing to support the fire service at the Royal Albion Hotel in Brighton.

‘Residents and businesses nearby are asked to close their windows and doors as the windy weather is spreading smoke around the area.

‘The Old Steine and part of Kings Road remain closed.’

Large crowds gathered on nearby streets as the fire took hold, with some even sunbathing on the beach and watching the spectacle.

According to local media, parts of the hotel roof has begun to crumble.

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