A major incident unfolded in Hove when a fire broke out at the Tesco store on Church Road during the early hours of 24 July 2025. Emergency services were called to the scene just after 4:20 am and quickly brought the blaze under control. Sussex Police later confirmed the fire had been started deliberately, launching a full arson investigation to identify those responsible. The damage caused disruption to the busy store, raising concerns among shoppers and residents about safety and security in the area.
As part of the investigation, Sussex Police released CCTV images the following day, showing a man they wanted to speak to in connection with the incident. The suspect was described as having dark hair and wearing a white or light-coloured top with black writing, blue jeans and white trainers. Officers appealed to the public to come forward with any information and asked residents and businesses to check CCTV, doorbell and dashcam footage.
The investigation moved forward on 29 July when officers arrested a 20-year-old man from Brighton on suspicion of arson. The suspect was questioned and later released on bail under strict conditions while further inquiries continue. Police say they are keeping all lines of investigation open and are still gathering evidence to build a full picture of events.
The incident began with the fire at the Tesco store on 24 July, followed by a public appeal the next day with CCTV images of a man officers wanted to identify. On 29 July, Sussex Police confirmed the arrest of a 20-year-old Brighton man, who was later released on bail while inquiries continued. The most recent update came on 26 August, when police formally announced the arrest and renewed their call for information from the public.
Despite the arrest, Sussex Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Detectives believe that additional CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage could be vital to the case. Reports can be made online or by calling 101, quoting serial 197 of 24/07.
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