Police offer reward to track serial arsonists in Littlehampton

A REWARD of £500 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a spate of arson attacks in the Gazette area.

By Tom Cotterill

Published 31st Jan 2013, 09:46 BST

Since November, West Sussex Fire and Rescue have been called to 32 incidents of trees and bushes being torched in the Beaumont Park and Brookfield Park area.

Investigator Tom Van Der Wee, who is leading the operation, said: “We have made a significant effort in investigating these fires.

“I want to reassure the public that they have not posed a danger to people’s homes and on each occasion fire colleagues have attended promptly and dealt with the fires.

“Anyone who has any information about the fires, the latest being in Fastnet Way, on Sunday night (January 27), is urged to contact police on 101 quoting Serial 1544 of 27/1 or Operation Capture.

“You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Two local boys, aged 16 and 15, were arrested on Tuesday, January 29, for arson and have been bailed until April 19 for further enquiries.

Police