November 7 2013.

A fire at an industrial unit in Newhaven is being investigated as a possible arson attack. Officers were called to Hawthorne Industrial Estate in Newhaven at about 1.40am today  to reports of a large fire in the Quintessance Fragrances industrial unit. Surrounding roads were as there were flammable substances and chemicals inside the unit.

All have now been reopened.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service crews are at the scene dealing with the fire.

Many residents were woken by a number of loud explosions, but assumed it was late-night fireworks

The incident is being treated as a suspected arson attack.

Inspector Robert Lovell said: "Fire investigators are at the scene determining the cause of the blaze. If it is confirmed that the incident is an arson attack it will be taken over as a criminal investigation."