Three arrests made over Eastbourne retail park fire

It has been confirmed that three teenage boys have now been arrested on suspicion of arson after a blaze which tore through four stores at a retail park in Eastbourne, East Sussex on Saturday night.

Sussex Police have stated that the two 17-year-olds and one 16-year-old, all residents of the area, were arrested on Tuesday and bailed until the 20th of January.

Over 80 firefighters attended the scene at the Crumbles Retail Park, in Sovereign Harbour, at around 8:30pm where they fought to control the blaze. It was eventually extinguished at 2pm the next day.

The damage to the shops may run into millions of pounds as the fire crews were unable to prevent structural and smoke damage to the buildings.

The fire crews from across the Sussex region were called to Boots which was the first shop on fire, with smoke seen coming from the roof.

Evacuations then began at nearby Asda and Next in the retail park to get shoppers away from the danger.
An East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: “An investigation has concluded the fire is most likely to have been caused by a deliberate act.”

Detective Inspector Paul Phelps added:

“The police investigation has now concluded and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the fire.

“The case will be submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service for their consideration.”