Tarring arsons - £1,000 reward offered

Four separate fires were discovered in private gardens, having been ignited some time between the evening of Tuesday, November 24 and the following morning.

The arsons included a blaze in Rackham Road just before 1am, which left a couple struggling to escape their bungalow after a fire in a bin spread to the nearby conservatory, filling the home with smoke.

The pair eventually made it to safety with help from police and Worthing fire crew, but did need to be treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation.

The other deliberate fires include a bush fire in Selsey Close, a hedge row in Lindum Way, and a tree set alight in Littlehampton Road.

A 52-year old man and a 26-year old man, both from Worthing, were arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

Chief Inspector Howard Hodges said: "Sussex Police are working very closely with the local fire service and other partner agencies. We are confident that, with the support of the community, we will catch the offenders and bring them to justice. Any information, no matter how small, could be vital to the investigation and we urge people to come forward.

"Detectives have arrested and interviewed two people, who have both been released on bail while the enquiry continues. These incidents have the potential to result in serious injury or worse and are getting the attention and resources they deserve."

Residents have the opportunity to attend a 'street briefing' at Rackham Road, Worthing, at 11am on Saturday, November 28. Local police officers, detectives, community support officers, fire officers and the community safety team will answer all concerns about the fires.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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