Four young girls suffered potentially life-changing injuries after a suspected explosion at a burger restaurant on Halloween.
The 12-year-olds, who are still in hospital, were burned when a fire broke out in the toilets of Wendy’s in Brighton.
The fire prompted a massive emergency response in the city on Thursday evening around 8:30 p.m.
Sussex Police continue to investigate the cause of the fire after social media users reported hearing a fireworks explosion in the restaurant.
However, it is understood that fireworks were not the cause of the incident.
Four 12-year-old girls suffered potentially life-changing burns after a suspected explosion at Wendy’s in Brighton, where emergency services were seen outside last night
Emergency services, including police, arrived on the scene and cordoned off the restaurant on Western Road (photo)
Footage shared online shows a commotion outside the restaurant as emergency vehicle lights blared
Social media users reported hearing an ‘explosion’ of fireworks nearby, but fireworks are not believed to have caused the fire
A police spokesperson said: ‘Four 12-year-old girls suffered potentially life-changing burns following an incident at Wendy’s in Western Road, Brighton, at around 8.30pm on Thursday, October 31.
“They are currently in hospital and our investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
‘Although we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, anyone with any information is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial number 1241 of 31/10.’
No arrests have been made.
Sussex Police said the incident took place in the restaurant’s toilet area.
Western Road was temporarily closed last night to allow emergency services, including East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, to attend the scene.
A fire brigade spokeswoman confirmed they had been called to a fire at the restaurant.
Footage shared online shows a commotion outside the restaurant as emergency services stood outside the entrance while the road was cordoned off.
The US burger chain opened in Brighton in March 2022, shortly after the brand first opened in Britain.