A FIRE in a city centre pub cellar is believed to have been started by a “fault in the air conditioning unit”.

Four fire engines were called to the Heart and Hand pub in North Road, Brighton, at around 9.30pm last night.

The pub had been evacuated by the time crews arrived.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service believe the fire started due to a fault in the cellar’s air conditioning unit.

A spokeswoman said: “At 9.32pm, we were called to attend the Heart and Hand pub in North Road, Brighton, following reports of a fire in the cellar.

Heart and Hand pub in Brighton

“Crews from Brighton, Roedean and Hove attended. On arrival, the building had been evacuated. Firefighters used four Breathing Apparatus and one Jet Hose to extinguish the fire. 

“Once the fire had been extinguished, firefighters used a Positive Pressure Ventilation fan to clear the property of smoke.

“The fire is believed to have stemmed from a fault in the air conditioning unit.

“We left the scene at 10.12pm.”

People were encouraged to avoid the area and residents keep their doors and windows closed.

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