Firebomb attack wrecks couple's taxis

Two Peugeots used by Douglas and Tina Carpenter of Blois Road, Lewes, were reduced to charred wrecks early Wednesday morning after Molotov cocktails were used to set them alight.

Mr and Mrs Carpenter had worked self-employed for Peacehaven Taxis for just a fortnight.

Said Mr Carpenter: 'We came home at 11.30pm after work and went to bed. At about 1am or 2am we were woken by a neighbour.

'We went outside to find both cars on fire. They had been parked well apart, with other cars parked between, but they were the only ones alight.

'My car had a window broken and the remains of a bottle were found on the back seat.'

Mr Carpenter, 59, did not wish to comment on any possible reason for the arson attack but added: 'We are now out of work and broke, with two children and Christmas is on its way.

'There could also be problems with insurance cover for such a deliberate attack on my car.'

Inspector Dave Padwick at Lewes said: 'We were called out at 2.12am and found the fire brigade already there.

'Two Peugeots, valued at about 20,000, were reduced to charred remains. They have since been taken away by lift-lorry for forensic tests.

'We have found an intact bottle which had contained petrol or kerosene.

'It was an arson attack on a new taxi company.'

Inspector Padwick said police understood there had been some bad feeling between various taxi operators in the coastal area.

'We are keeping an open mind but that is one line of enquiry,' he added.