Fire in Brighton flat believed to be arson

Fire crews tackled a fire at a basement flat in Marlborough Place, Brighton, which is being investigated as a possible arson.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said that it was called out at about 1.15am today (Wednesday 10 September), adding: “The front door to the basement flat was alight.

“The basement flat was heavily smokelogged. Crews used two breathing apparatus and one hose reel.

Sussex Police stayed at the scene overnight and an investigation started this morning (Wednesday 10 September)

Sussex Police said: “Police were called to a suspicious fire at a basement flat in Marlborough Place, Brighton, during the early hours of Wednesday.

“It appeared a fire in the hallway may have been deliberately started and investigations are continuing.

“The flat was unoccupied, no one was hurt and the fire was quickly put out.”

Anyone who saw anything suspicious is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555111.

Earlier firefighters put out a fire in the bedroom of a top floor flat in Eaton Place, in Kemp Town.

The fire service said that the call came in shortly before 6.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 9 September), adding: “Crews used four breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets.

“One cat was injured and taken to a local emergency vet.”