Worker burnt in fire at Hastings chippy

The 25-year-old man threw water onto burning fat as he was preparing the fryer for the lunchtime rush of customers.

This created a fireball which damaged part of the chip shop.

Firefighters attended the scene at Smithy's Chippy in Robertson Street just after 11am but the fire was already out when they arrived.

Crews gave first aid to the man by using a specialist burns kit, including a gel facemask, before paramedics arrived to treat him.

Tony Giles, manager for Bohemia Road fire station's Blue Watch crew, said: "He had a lucky escape. Remember that water and burning fat doesn't mix."