Guests return to historic Brighton seafront's Hilton after fire incident

brighton hotel doubletree fire
Guests have been evacuated from the hotel Credit: John Oetegenn / Brighton People

Fire engines have been at the scene of one of Brighton and Hove's largest and oldest seafront hotels.

The hotel DoubleTree Metropole Hotel on the King's Road, which is operated by the Hilton chain, was been evacuated.

Seven fire engines from both East and West Sussex were in attendance.

The hotel is one of the largest on Brighton's seafront Credit: X@laplandlongspur

Sussex Police issued a statement saying, “We are currently assisting East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service following a report of a fire at the Hilton Brighton Metropole in Kings Road.

“Seven fire engines are at the scene and the road is blocked.

“All hotel guests have been evacuated.

“We are asking people to avoid the area while we deal with the incident.”

Built in 1890, the the Victorian hotel with 300 rooms is situated right in the city centre.

John Oetegenn who lives in private apartments above the hotel said, "Did not hear the alarm on 7th floor but was getting out the lift on ground floor to find alarm going off and hotel evacuated."

Guests have now been allowed back inside.

In July this year, the iconic Royal Albion Hotel further along the seafront was destroyed by fire.

Then, efforts to extinguish the fire were hampered by high winds meaning the operation continued into the start of the following week.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue service was contacted for more details on the incident at the DoubleTree hotel but we’ve had no response.