A car collided with a building with residents reporting smelling gas.

Sections of a town centre road were cordoned off as gas engineers checked for leaks after the car hit a building this evening.

A woman needed to be released from the car by fire crews but the building has since been handed back to the building owners.

A spokeswoman for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said they were called to Trinity Place in Eastbourne shortly after 6.15pm today.

She said: “East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were called at 6.19pm on March 11 to reports of a car colliding with a building in Trinity Place, Eastbourne.

“The smell of gas was also reported.

“One woman has been released from the car with crews using the Technical Rescue Unit to safely move the vehicle. A 50m cordon was put in place.

“Ambulance and police were also informed.

“Gas engineers have attended to check for any gas leaks.

“As of 7.30, the scene is being handed over to the building owners.”