Brighton arson and thefts suspect arrested

Police have arrested a man suspected of starting three fires in the centre of Brighton and stealing from the evacuated premises.

The 34-year-old was also believed to have started fires at three hospitals – in Crawley, Gillingham and Canterbury.

Kent Police said yesterday (Friday 31 August): “Police investigating a series of fires in Kent and Sussex have arrested a 34-year-old man in connection with the inquiry.

“The man was arrested in Kent earlier this afternoon and is now in custody at a Kent police station.”

Detectives were due to question the man about fires and thefts at the Royal Albion Hotel in Old Steine at 2pm on Sunday (26 August), at Brighton Museum and Art Gallery at noon the next day and at the Sea Life Centre also on Monday at about 4.30pm.