Body Found As Crews Extinguish Property Blaze In Littlehampton

A man has died following a fire at a property in Littlehampton that also saw armed police called to the scene.

Emergency services were alerted to a disturbance at a bungalow in Swanbourne Road at around 9.50am on Thursday, 28 August. When officers and firefighters arrived, the building was already alight, with the fire spreading to an adjoining property.

Residents in neighbouring homes were evacuated for their safety while West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service worked to bring the blaze under control.

Police later confirmed that the body of a man in his 50s was discovered inside the property. His next of kin have been informed, and the death is not currently being treated as suspicious. A file will be prepared for the Coroner.

Two people were also injured during the incident. Their injuries are understood to be minor, and they were treated at the scene by paramedics. Sussex Police confirmed that armed officers were present as part of the emergency response.

A cordon was put in place throughout the day to protect residents and allow emergency crews to safely manage the scene. Officers have since referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which is standard procedure in incidents where armed police are involved.

Detectives have asked anyone with information to come forward, either online or by calling 101 and quoting Operation Chalk.