Woman charged with Worthing arson attacks will spend Christmas in prison

Carla Kimber, of no fixed address, was arrested on Sunday (November 29) on suspicion of going equipped to commit arson.

Today (Wednesday, December 2), the 30-year-old appeared at Worthing Magistrates' Court where she was charged with four counts of arson and one count of arson with intent to endanger life.

The charges relate to an arson attack on October 21 when a letter box and carpet were damaged by fire, and three charges relate to arsons on November 24 when a hedgerow, and two conifer trees were set alight.

The fifth charge was for an arson attack with intent to endanger life on November 25 when a conservatory and two wheelie bins were set on fire.

The woman did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody until February 25, when she will appear at Chichester Crown Court.

Briefing

The arrest came just a day after police held a second street briefing to speak with concerned residents who feared their homes could be targeted by arsonists.

On Friday, firefighters were called to deal with the latest spate of deliberate fire.

One family had a lucky escape through the back of their house after a recycling bin on their front porch in Normandy Road, Broadwater, was set alight.

Shortly afterwards, a burning leaflet was placed through the letter box of a house in Gratwicke Road, Worthing.

Luckily, the smoke alarm activated and little damage was caused.

At 9.30am, a Clifton Road resident found net curtains in her bedroom had been set alight, but the fire had burnt itself out.

Last Wednesday, two men, a 52-year-old and a 26-year-old, were arrested and bailed on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life for four arsons in the Tarring area.

Vigilant

Allan Lowe, Adur and Worthing Neighbourhood Policing Inspector, added: "Since the woman's arrest, the investigation has progressed, but we still urge the public to be vigilant and make sure they have working smoke alarms fitted in their homes."

Police have offered a 1,000 reward for information about the arsons.

Anyone with information should contact 0845 60 70 999.

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