Kids asleep as next-door St Leonards caravans burn

One of the caravans destroyed by the fire. Photo by Meagen Smith SUS-161124-164812001

Two static caravans about 100 metres apart were left in ruins by the ‘possible arson’ – two other holiday homes and two fences were also damaged by the flames and heat.

Maegen Smith was in her caravan with her partner Matthew Amstead and two sons Mason, seven, and Sebastian, four, when they realised the two holiday homes were on fire.

The 27-year-old mum said it looked like something out of a film as ‘20 to 25’ firefighters tackled the fires, but the youngsters were none the wiser as they were fast asleep.

Firefighters working to put out the caravan fire. Photo by Meagen Smith SUS-161124-164827001

“It was very similar to the bit in the film ET, that’s what it reminded me off,” she said.

“We thought it might have been a gas leak and looked out of the window and saw they were both alight.

“After that I spoke to the firemen to ask if we should leave but they said it was okay to stay in the caravan as the wind was not blowing it in our direction.

“When the kids woke up it was a bit daunting for them, so we had to talk to them about what to do during a fire.”

Meagen Smith and her young family were in the caravan next-door as it burned. Photo by Meagen SUS-161124-164840001

Police still want to speak to two white men, both aged 20-25, who were seen in the vicinity between 9pm and 9.30pm.

“One was described as 6’1”, with short fair or ginger hair – he was possibly wearing glasses and was also wearing a black jacket and dark trousers.

“The second man was slightly shorter, wearing a black hooded top with the hood up and dark/grey bottoms.”

Anyone with information should email [email protected] or phone 101, quoting serial 1412 of 21/11.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/ 2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hastingsobserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @HastingsObs

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Hastings Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.