Father of two dies in fire in Telscombe Cliffs

A father of two died in a house fire in Telscombe Cliffs on Saturday afternoon (4 February).

Fire investigators and detectives from Sussex Police are trying to work out what caused the fire which claimed the life of Steven Love, 30.

Detectives suspect that Mr Love may have started the fire at the Tudor-style house in Carey Down, off Ambleside Avenue.

Sussex Police said that it was not treating it as suspicious.

Firefighters rescued Mr Love from the burning property and he was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton where he was pronounced dead.

Post-mortem tests were due to be carried out on Mr Love who was believed to have been the only person in the property at the time.

Six fire crews were sent to tackle the blaze – one each from Preston Circus and Roedean in Brighton, one each from Hove and Seaford and two from Newhaven.

They were called out shortly before 4pm on Saturday when neighbours spotted smoke coming from the house and raised the alarm.

Detective Inspector Ian Williams said: “This is a tragic incident in which a man has died.

“Neighbours were quick to alert the fire service when they saw smoke within the house and firemen broke in to make the rescue.

“Together with East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service we are investigating the circumstances of his death but are not treating it as suspicious.”

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “The thoughts and condolences of the service are with the man’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”