Hastings fire: Two arrested by police

Police said they received a report of a fire at a residential property in Chiltern Drive at 8.24pm yesterday (Saturday, December 19).

Officers attended alongside crews from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS).

Police said the fire was put out and no persons were found within the property.

A man was arrested on suspicion of arson yesterday evening.

After police enquiries, he was further arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Police said he remains in custody at this time.

A second man was arrested this morning (Sunday, December 20) at Quantock Gardens, Hastings, on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, false imprisonment, possessing a firearm without a certificate, and common assault.

Police said he also remains in custody at this time.

Sergeant Brett White, of the Hastings and Rother Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We understand how an incident of this nature can be very concerning for those living in the area, but I would like to reassure our community that this is something we are taking very seriously.

“Our officers will be carrying out high-visibility patrols in the area to identify and deter any criminal activity.

“The investigation is ongoing, and people living in the area can expect to see an increased police presence while we continue our enquiries.

“This incident has involved people known to each other, and we would encourage anyone who has any further information about what’s happened to get in touch.”

Members of the public can contact police online or by calling 101 quoting Operation Stoddard.

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.