Homeless Hastings man's tent destroyed in 'deliberate' fire

Stuart Haffenden, who lives at the campsite near the Hollington area of Hastings, said he was disturbed at about 10.30pm last Wednesday (August 5) by a group of people.

He said he ran away from the scene as he was 'outnumbered' but when he returned he found his tent had been set on fire.

Police investigating the incident said the cause of the fire is being treated as 'deliberate ignition'.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "About 10.30pm on Wednesday 5 August, police received a report of a disturbance at a campsite near the Hollington area of Hastings.

"The call cut out and due to concerns for the informant, officers attended the scene and discovered a tent had been set on fire – this is being treated as deliberate ignition.

"No one was present at the campsite, however police received a further call from the informant to state he was safe. He has been spoken to and a safeguarding plan is in place.

"Enquiries are ongoing, and anyone with any information about the incident is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1553 of 05/08."

The campsite was set up by Stuart, who runs an initiative called Hastings Helping Hands, to help homeless people find somewhere to stay for the night.

Stuart said the fire has left the campsite 'out of action' but he hopes it will be rebuilt in two or three weeks.