CAR RENTAL FIRM BLAZE

About 20 firefighters from Uckfield, Barcombe and Crowborough tackled the blaze at 4.13am on Tuesday at Choice Vehicle Rentals on the A272 near Uckfield.

The fire badly damaged offices and a workshop, destroyed two cars and damaged another.

Choice Vehicles director John Field said: 'Someone broke in after cutting a padlock off. He took some expensive painting equipment.

'But the fire damage, including the destruction of the cars, will cost around 60,000.

'Luckily, we have another building on the same site and we should be up and running by the end of the week.

'We have had petty theft in the past but this is pure mindless destruction.'

The fire was out by 6am but the site was cordoned off for most of the day while fire investigation teams carried out forensic tests.

There is an appeal for possible witnesses to call police on 0845 6070999.