A man has been arrested over a fire which damaged several patrol cars at Chichester police station.

Details of the suspected arsonist have not been released.

Fire crews from Chichester were alerted at about 3.30am today and went to the Kingsham Road station, next to Chichester High School for Boys.

Four patrol cars parked in front of the building were severely damaged by fire, one suffered minor fire damaged and two police vehicles had broken windows.

Windows were broken in the main police building and several outbuildings during the blaze.

Police officers, supported by witnesses, detained and arrested a 46-year-old man at the front of the station within minutes of the alarm being raised.

Scenes of crime officers and detectives are investigating.

Chief Inspector Mark Eyre, district commander, said: "Although a significant amount of damage has been caused to four vehicles, damage to the police station is limited to broken or cracked windows.

"Despite officers being on duty in the premises, no officer was in the areas where damage was caused. No injuries were sustained by any officer or member of the public.

"Although the damage is inconvenient I would like to reassure the public this is an isolated incident which has not prevented policing in Chichester continuing as normal.

"Replacement police vehicles have been obtained from other stations and the public inquiry office is open."

A fire brigade spokeswoman said two crews fought the blaze for almost an hour.

The suspect is in custody. Police appealed for witnesses to call 0845 6070999.