The young girls remain in hospital after the incident in the Wendy’s restaurant in Brighton’s Western Road sparked a mass emergency service response on Halloween evening.
Sussex Police say they are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire as social media users reported hearing what they believed was a fireworks “explosion” at the restaurant.
But The Argus understands fireworks were not used in the incident.
A spokesman for the force said: “Four 12-year-old girls sustained potentially life-changing burns injuries following an incident at Wendy’s in Western Road, Brighton, around 8.30pm on Thursday October 31.
“They remain in hospital at this time, and our enquiries to establish the cause of the fire are ongoing.
“While we are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident, anyone with any information is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1241 of 31/10.”
No arrests have been made.
Users on social media reported hearing an “explosion” in the restaurant shortly before the incident.
Sussex Police previously said the incident took place in the toilet area of the restaurant.
Western Road was temporarily closed to allow for emergency services, including East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, to attend the scene.
A spokeswoman for the fire service said they were called to attend a fire at the restaurant.
American burger chain Wendy’s first opened in Brighton in March 2022.
Wendy’s has been approached for comment.
