A beach hut in Hove has been destroyed by fire in an arson attack early today (Thursday 17 February).
An East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service crew from Hove Fire Station attended.
Police are appealing for witnesses following the arson attack at around 3am on the seafront opposite the bottom of First Avenue.
A number of other beach huts were also broken into this morning.
Inspector Jason Hazard, from the Hove Neighbourhood Police Team, said: “Sussex Police take this type of criminality very seriously.
“It is distressing for the beach hut owners and the local community who enjoy the pleasant and colourful look of the huts that line the promenade.”
Some members of the community have reported broken lights in the area which, they said, created pockets of darkness making it impossible for the CCTV cameras to work properly.
Sussex Police asked anyone who saw the incident or anyone loitering near the beach huts early this morning to contact the firce on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
I and others have been reporting lighting column 15 as broken for some months, both to the council and to seafront beach hut office. I think the owner(s) of the damaged/destroyed huts (overnight of Feb 16th/17th) is entitled to know of their non-response, before his insurance company increases his premium. The council expects owners to upkeep the huts, yet fail to fulfil their obligation to prevent wells of darkness caused by broken lighting. CCTV cameras don’t work in pitch black conditions.
Is there any update re the lighting column being fixed yet? If not, please let me know and I’ll start chasing it up. Alternatively you can report it (and track it) through FixMyStreet.com – it only takes a couple of minutes to do and goes direct to the Council.
Nick Packham
Community Intervention Team
Neighbourhood Policing, Brighton & Hove
Tel : 0845 6070 999 Ext : 14382
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/PCSO_Packham