Garage blaze alert

Police believe Leonard Lee s BMW 316 was torched while parked in the garage at his home in The Street, East Preston, by someone breaking in through a small door at the back. The remains of a petrol can were found nearby.

Mr Lee, 76, woke just before 2am to see smoke pouring from his garage but was unable to call 999 as the line was damaged by the fire.

Fortunately, though, help was on its way thanks to quick-thinking next-door neighbour Oliver Watts, who arrived to reassure Mr Lee after raising the alarm.

This is the latest in a series of similar incidents in the Rustington and East Preston area in less than three weeks, although police and fire chiefs are not linking them.

"Good neighbours are a great asset," said Mr Lee reflecting on the actions which probably saved his life. He added: "Oliver literally saved our bacon!"

For the full story, see the Gazette, October 11.