Two horses had to be rescued after arsonists set a barn on fire.

Police are investigating a blaze that took hold at Windmill Farm in Wadhurst in the early hours of Monday.

The barn fire caused widespread damage and major distress to two horses that were kept around 30 feet away.

Alcohol cans and bottles were found at the scene along with a single plimsoll shoe which will be examined forensically.

A Sussex Police spokesman said the fire was thought to have been started deliberately.

PC Saunders of Uckfield Response Investigation Team said "This has been particularly distressing to the owner of the barn, and the owner of the two horses at the stables who were rescued bravely.

“Wadhurst is a small village so this must have been talked about. Also if anybody has noticed a friend/family member giving a reason for a missing shoe. If anybody has any information please call me on 101 quoting serial number 0101 of 14/01/13."