Homeless man's blankets set on fire: Marine Parade, Worthing
(BN11 - Thursday, 24 March, 2011)

A 46-year-old man who was sleeping in a seafront shelter in Marine Parade, Worthing awoke in the early hours of this morning (March 24) to find his duvet had been set on fire.

The victim called police just after 1am to report that his duvet was smouldering.

He was taken to Worthing Hospital and treated for superficial burns.

Detective Inspector Trevor Bates said:

"This was a cowardly act on an unsuspecting victim.

"Luckily the man was wearing several layers of clothing and this no doubt prevented him from receiving serious burns."

Three teenage boys were seen loitering near the area and police are appealing for anyone who may have seen them prior to the incident to please get in contact.

A burnt toilet roll was recovered at the scene.

If you have any information to this incident please contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 99.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police Force: Sussex

Address:
Marine Parade
Worthing
SUSSEX
BN11