BRIGHTON Museum has been shut for the day after a fire caused by arsonists.

Firefighters were alerted at 5.28am and two crews and the aerial ladder platform from Preston Circus, along with a crew from Lewes, were sent to the Royal Pavilion Gardens.

They extinguished the fire which caused damage to the exterior of the museum. The aerial ladder platform was used to check the roof space for hot spots.

Fans were brought in to clear the smoke.

A spokesman from Brighton and Hove City Council: "Brighton Museum will be closed today after a suspected arson incident caused damage to an exterior service area of the building earlier this morning.  

"The Big Draw, an all-day event taking place in the Museum Lab, will still go ahead but attendees are asked to access the museum via the Church Street entrance at Brighton Dome."

A 50-year-old man, of no fixed address, was arrested by Sussex Police officers at the scene of the blaze on suspicion of arson.

He remained in police custody as of 11.30am on Thursday (October 27).

An East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said fire investigation has been launched.