A TERRIFYING fire ripped through a hotel housing dozens of Ukrainian refugees as they slept last night.
Those inside were evacuated after the devastating blaze broke out in the early hours of the morning in Midhurst, West Sussex.
Firefighters swarmed the area in the early hours - with reinforcements called at 6am as the flames took over the two buildings.
It started on North Street before spreading to the roof of the 400-year-old Angel Inn next door, according to witnesses.
Hilton Holloway, who watched as the fire took over, said around 30 people, including some children, were evacuated from the hotel.
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"There were a number of Ukrainian refugees in the hotel, which had around 15 rooms," he said. "I spoke to one young woman who seemed relatively calm."
Photos and video taken by Mr Holloway, who lives opposite the hotel, showed the spread of the fire from an adjoining building to the roof of the Angel Inn.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Services called the fire "significant".
Ten fire engines, an aerial ladder platform, water carrier and off-road vehicle responded to the incident.
Shortly after 6am the fire service said it had "escalated" and 14 fire engines descended on the scene.
"Over 30 people have been evacuated from the building and firefighters are working hard to bring the fire under control," West Sussex Fire and Rescue Services said.
Speaking from the scene, Area Manager Richard Abbot said North Street would remain closed and asked the public to avoid the area.
"It is too early in the incident to know the cause of the fire, however we will be investigating as soon as it is safe to do so," he said.
Sussex Police, which sent officers to the scene, warned road closures would be in place in the local area.
No casualties have been reported.
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