Patrols stepped up following wave of arson attacks in Littlehampton and Rustington

In the past month alone, around 10 bushes and fences have been set alight, all within a one-mile radius of one another, with the latest incident taking place in Capstan Drive, on Thursday evening (January 3).

Most of the fires over the past two months have been in and around the Beaumont Park and Brookfield Park areas.

Police believe all the blazes are linked and have started dedicated patrols in the areas in an effort to apprehend those responsible as part of Operation Aspro.

Sergeant Andy Gray said: “We are obviously concerned about the risks of these fires but we are working closely with West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) to target the area.

“We are asking residents to stay vigilant and if they see anything or anyone acting suspiciously to call police. We are taking these fires seriously and stepping up dedicated patrols in the area.

“We are linking all these fires and are appealing to anyone who saw or heard anything in the area to call police on 101 quoting Operation Aspro.”

WSFRS’s deputy district commander for Arun, Dave Benham, said: “This behaviour might seem like a laugh to those involved but deliberately starting fires in this way is both reckless and illegal. Even the smallest of fires can spread quickly and put lives at risk.

“The incident on Thursday night was particularly worrying. The fire was set in an area of hedgerow close to a residential property and a member of the public needed treatment for smoke inhalation after attempting to tackle the fire themselves.

“Residents can feel confident that WSFRS is working closely with Sussex Police as well as Neighbourhood Watch to help bring those responsible to justice and prevent further fires in the area.”