Dog revived by firefighters after arsonist starts blaze in Brighton flat

Firefighters revived a pensioner’s dog when they tackled a blaze at his home which they believe was started deliberately.

They gave the dog oxygen as they dealt with the fire at a flat in Stonehurst Court in Down Terrace, Brighton.

The 67-year-old man was unhurt in the fire but his dog suffered from the effects of breathing in smoke.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were called to the fire just before 1.15am last Thursday (6 June).

Today (Tuesday 11 June) Sussex Police arrested a 24-year-old man from Brighton on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

The man was in custody for interview and while police made further inquiries. He is also suspected of stealing a wallet from the flat.

His arrest comes after a man was reported to have been seen leaving the scene before the arrival of emergency services.

Detective Constable Paul Hitchcock said: “From our investigation so far it is apparent that there were several people walking in Downs Terrace immediately before the fire started.”

He urged anyone in the area at the time or anyone with information that could help the investigation to call Sussex Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Detectives are also investigating whether a fire at Falcon Court in Swanborough Place in Whitehawk on Sunday (9 June) was started deliberately although the two are not thought to be linked.