Police have charged three men in connection with a series of deliberate fires across Sussex, which have caused an estimated £1.1 million worth of damage. The incidents took place between June and November 2021, with targets including derelict properties, farm machinery, and outbuildings. Authorities were called to multiple locations in response to the fires, which were all confirmed as arson after thorough investigations.
On Friday, 26 June 2021, at 10:27 pm, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service alerted the police to a significant fire at an abandoned property on Broadwater Lane, Horsham.
Then, at 3:39 am on Thursday, 8 July 2021, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service notified the police of a massive fire at a derelict property in Wivelsfield Green, where eight fire engines responded to the scene.
On Sunday, 29 August 2021, at 7:23 am, police received a report from East Sussex Fire and Rescue of a substantial intentional fire involving two outbuildings in Lower Willingdon, which housed cylinders and farming equipment.
At 2:54 am on Tuesday, 2 November 2021, the police supported East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service in addressing a large fire in a barn situated on farmland near the A26 at Beddingham.
On Thursday, 4 November 2021, at 4:32 am, police were called upon to help East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service with road closures due to a hay bale fire at a Rathfinny vineyard in Alfriston.
Later, at 10:49 pm on Saturday, 6 November 2021, police responded to a fire in two large barns in Tarring Neville, where smoke affected the A26.
On Sunday, 7 November 2021, at 4:04 am, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service informed the police of a silver Vauxhall Corsa ablaze on Lewes Road, Ringmer.
Finally, at 5:28 am the same day, police aided the fire service with a road closure after a significant fire involving hay bales erupted in a field along Litlington Road, Seaford.
Following extensive inquiries, Oliver Williams, 19, Joshua Brinkley, 19, and Connor Luck, 21, were arrested and charged. Williams faces one count of arson, while Brinkley has been charged with seven counts and Luck with two counts. The trio is scheduled to appear in Brighton Magistrates’ Court on April 27.
