Arsonist forces Hove family to flee their home with their baby

An arsonist is thought to be behind a fire that risked the lives of a Hove couple and their nine-month-old baby.

The fierce blaze was too big to fight, forcing the couple to grab their baby from upstairs before fleeing by the front door.

Sussex Police said that the fire started at about 10pm on Saturday (10 May) in a plastic garden shed at a property at the corner of Dorothy Road and Old Shoreham Road.

The force said: “It quickly engulfed a rear-facing kitchen window and, realising the fire was too big to fight themselves, the occupants grabbed their baby from upstairs and got out through the front door.

“A passing police patrol spotted the fire and radioed for the fire and rescue service to attend. Several 999 calls were also made by people who saw flames reaching the roof of the house.

“Fire crews quickly doused the fire before it could further damage the property but the cause is being treated as suspicious and is now being investigated as possible arson.”

Detective Constable Chris Hike, of Brighton and Hove CID, said: “This was a lucky escape for the family. Had they been asleep at the time, the consequences could have been serious.

“Next to the house is a path linking Dorothy Road and Old Shoreham Road.

“I would ask anyone who was in the area at around 10pm on Saturday or who has any information as to how the fire may have started to phone Sussex Police.”

Anyone who can help the police is asked to phone the force on 101, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.