300 animals rescued from thatched cottage blaze

Nearly 300 animals, including horses, dogs and cats, were rescued from the rear of the property.

The southbound lane of the A22 was closed as fire crews from across East Sussex fought the flames.

Incident commander for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Mark Rist said the occupants had been led to safety after the alarm was raised by passing motorists on the A22 shortly before 6.30pm last night.