Police hunt for Bognor arsonist

Police have warned a serial arsonist they believe is responsible for a dozen incidents in the Westergate area to stop before he pays the price.

The 12 or so incidents happened in May and June, when hedgerows, sheds and fences around the Westergate, Woodgate and Eastergate areas were set on fire, mainly at weekends.

There had not been any incidents since then after police stepped up their efforts with high-visibility patrols in the area – until Friday night when a hedge and fence of a rear garden in Ivy Lane, Westergate, were set on fire.

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Arundel and Littlehampton Neighbourhood Police Team Inspector Robert Moore said: “The longer it continues, the more resources we will be putting into it. They will be caught will have to pay the price.

“If any member of the public sees anything suspicious, even if it turns out not to be suspicious, I would rather hear from them than not.

“At the moment we have some potential suspects, but no evidence.

“It started in the summer, when we had a series of fences or hedges and bushes being set alight. We have done some high visibility patrols, and it went very quiet for the past six to eight to weeks.

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“On Friday night we had another arson of a hedgerow, and again we have put out extra patrols on Friday and Saturday night in Westergate.”

The incidents prompted a cross-agencies response with the fire and rescue service working with the police and the Arun Safer Partnership.

Arun District Commander Dave Benham said: “Firefighters have been working closely with local businesses to raise the awareness of these fires, encouraging them to be vigilant at all times.

“As a result of our partnering with the police, patrols in the vicinity have been increased. This has had a substantial effect in reducing the number of incidents. However, as this weekend has proved, we must continue to monitor the situation.”

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If anyone has any information that would be of assistance they should contact Sussex Police quoting the serial number 1921 of October 15 which relates to the fire in Ivy Lane.

It started at 11.05pm, and was put out by 11.30pm by a fire crew from Bognor.

Alternatively call the independent Crime Stoppers number 0800 555 111.