Arsonists who have targeted the same block of flats regularly could spark a tragedy, fire bosses have warned.

They attacked the block in Dalewood Gardens, Northgate, Crawley, for the sixth time in six weeks last night. Two fire crews from Crawley were called out at 10.30 as smoke filled a communal hall.

They managed to restrict the blaze to a rubbish container and no-one needed to be evacuated from flats. Crawley police are investigating the attacks.

A spokesman for Crawley fire station today said: "It is usually about that same time they happen. It is potentially very dangerous."

The arsonists struck in a communal area used to store rubbish. The firemen fear one night the blaze will get out of control and put people in adjoining flats in grave danger.

Residents there are of all ages, including some elderly people. The fire brigade spokesman said: "They usually lock the wheelie bins away but sometimes the door is left open and sometimes bags of rubbish are set light."

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