Police appeal after suspected football club arson

A fire burns at night and large flames create a silhouette of trees and a hedge, and a football stand is seen to the left of the image. Sparks are flying in to the air.
Police believe trees were deliberately set alight near the stand [Dan Jessup]

Police are appealing for witnesses after a suspected arson attack at an East Sussex football club caused about £35,000 of damage.

A number of children had to be helped to safety when the fire broke out at Hailsham Town Football Club on Tuesday.

Sussex Police believe conifers near the stand were deliberately set alight at about 19:00 GMT.

The club previously thanked youth team coaches who led the children to safety.

PC Luke Ceschin said: "We believe a number of people were in the area at the time the fire started and it is fortunate that no-one was injured."

He asked anyone with information or with footage of the fire, including dash cam footage, to contact the force.

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