Man arrested on suspicion of arson after fire in Crawley

Emergency services attended Shipley Road in Ifield, Crawley, at around 11.55am today, December 31.

Police reported that no one was home at the time of the fire, which was on the ground floor of the house.

A 21-year-old man from Crawley has since been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. 

A fire engine at the scene (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 11.47am to reports of a fire involving a property on Shipley Road in Ifield, Crawley.

“Joint Fire Control mobilised four fire engines to the scene. Upon arrival crews found a fire on the ground floor of the terraced property, and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire using two high pressure hose reels and a jet.

“The last crew left the scene shortly before 2pm.”

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: “A man has been arrested by police investigating a suspected arson in Crawley.

“Emergency services were called to a fire in Shipley Road, Ifield, around 11.55am today, December 31. Fortunately, no one was at home.

“Officers attended and arrested a 21-year-old man, from Crawley, on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in police custody at this time.”