Police hunt car arsonists

Police are hunting arsonists who torched cars in Bexhill and St Leonards.

The firebugs struck in the early hours of Sunday and Monday (March 24 and 25) and have burnt out six cars.

The fires were reported to East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) and Sussex Police between 1am and 5.10am on Sunday in Bexliegh Avenue and Keymer Close, St. Leonards-on-Sea, and Bedford Road, Bexhill; and at 7.15am on Monday in Knole Close, Bexhill.

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All of the vehicles are thought to have been stolen from nearby roads. Other vehicles were also damaged in an attempt to steal them.

Sergeant Stuart Mullins, of Bexhill Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Any witness or anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting serial 126 of 24/3 for the St Leonards-on-Sea incidents or serial 73 of 25/3 for the Bexhill incidents.

“Please continue to report anyone acting suspiciously around vehicles and report immediately to 999 if you believe a crime is about to take place.

“I’d like to suggest to anyone with older vehicles to please think of ways to secure them further.

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“Although precautions such as steering wheel locks may not be necessary on newer cars they can be a good deterrent on older vehicles that are easier to break in to.”

ESFRS Rother Borough Commander Tony McCord said: “We will continue to work closely with our partner agencies to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour by raising awareness in local communities and fire crews continuing to be vigilant whilst attending incidents and performing their normal duties in the community.

“If anyone discovers a vehicle on fire, please ensure that you remain a safe distance, call 999 and ask for the fire service. Please try to be aware of your location as every piece of initial information helps us attend the incident as quick as possible.”