Eastbourne retail park fire: three held in arson probe

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said the fire started towards the rear of Boots.

Three teenage boys have been arrested over a fire which is estimated to have caused millions of pounds worth of damage to four stores at a retail park.

More than 80 firefighters tackled the blaze at the Crumbles Retail Park, in Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne, East Sussex on Saturday.

Sussex Police said two 17-year-olds and a 16-year-old, all from Eastbourne, were arrested on suspicion of arson on Tuesday.

They have been bailed until 20 January.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue said the fire, which caused serious structural and smoke damage to Boots and Next stores, started towards the rear of Boots on Saturday evening.

Shoppers evacuated

Matalan and Sports Direct were also affected by smoke damage.

Asda and Next were evacuated but nobody was injured.

The fire was put out at 1400 GMT on Sunday.

Det Insp Paul Phelps said: "The police investigation has now concluded and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the fire.

"The case will be submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service for their consideration."

The force said forensic examinations were continuing at the scene.