Four girls suffered potentially life-changing injuries after an alleged explosion at a burger restaurant on Halloween.
The 12-year-old boys, who remain in hospital, suffered burns when a fire broke out in the bathrooms at Wendy’s in Brighton.
The fire prompted a massive response from emergency services in the city at around 8.30pm on Thursday.
Sussex Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire, as social media users reported hearing what they believed was an “explosion” of fireworks at 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, which emergency services attended to outside last night.
Emergency services, including police, arrived at the scene and cordoned off the restaurant on Western Road (pictured).
Images shared online show commotion outside the restaurant with lights blaring from emergency vehicles.
Social media users reported hearing what they believed was a fireworks “explosion” nearby, but it is understood the fireworks did not cause the fire.
A force spokesperson said: “Four 12-year-old girls suffered potentially life-changing burns after an incident at Wendy’s in Western Road, Brighton, at around 8.30pm on Thursday, October 31.
“At this time they remain in hospital and our investigations to establish the cause of the fire are ongoing.
“While we are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident, anyone with 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 toilet area of the restaurant.
Western Road was temporarily closed to allow emergency services, including East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, to attend the scene last night.
A fire service spokeswoman confirmed they were called to a fire at the restaurant.
Footage shared online shows commotion outside the restaurant as members of the emergency service stood outside the entrance with the road cordoned off.
The American burger chain opened in Brighton in March 2022, shortly after the brand first opened in the UK.