CONSTRUCTION workers building the Lamberhurst bypass had to flee their mobile homes when fire ripped through their campsite.

One worker in the caravan where the fire started was taken to hospital with minor burns. Workers in 12 other caravans also escaped the blaze which broke at 11.20pm last Thursday.

Fire crews were called to the scene from Wadhurst and Matfield. There was a concern that butane gas cylinders stored nearby might explode, but the fire-fighters were able to prevent that.

A spokeswoman for the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, which was in charge of the operation, said: "It was a serious fire. Five caravans were well alight by the time our crews arrived, but they were soon able to contain the flames once they were on the scene."

However four mobile homes were completely destroyed and one seriously damaged. A private car was also burnt out. An ambulance attended and one other worker was given treatment on site after suffering shock.

The campsite at Forstal Farm was occupied by employees of May Gurney, which is constructing the bypass.