Police officers are investigating an arson attack which claimed one of their own cars.

The police car is thought to have been set fire to deliberately just half an hour after a bin containing paper and recycling went up in the same street.

The two blazes happened in Church Street, Brighton, in the early hours of yesterday.

The car was parked and unattended on the corner of Tichborne Street, Brighton, only about 50m away from the bin fire, which was outside the Mash Tun on the corner of New Road.

A fire crew from Preston Circus arrived to tackle the first blaze at about 2.30pm before returning to their station.

Just ten minutes later, they were called again to put out the police car using foam extinguishers and hoses.

The back half of the police car was destroyed.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious should email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or phone Sussex Police on 101, quoting serial 128 of 2/9.

Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.