East Sussex firefighters today warned arsonists who pushed lit newspaper through a letterbox that the prank could easily turn into murder.

Last night the fire brigade was called to an empty basement flat in Milward Road, Hastings, after firebugs posted burning paper through the mail box.

The same flat had been targeted the previous night when rubbish piled close to the front door was set alight.

Fire brigade Sub Officer Kevin Haywood said: "There wasn't much damage to the flat but this has the potential of turning into something quite a lot more serious.

"We are concerned this could go a stage further. The flat was unoccupied but there is a family with a young baby next door and our concern is for them.

"On both occasions the father has called us out and done the right thing by getting his family out.

"Our major concern is the risk to life. There are groups of youths who think it's fun to play with fire but the consequences are very, very serious.

"We wouldn't want anybody to have a disaster on their conscience. If someone were to be killed it could be murder."

Sub Officer Haywood said although the flat was empty new residents were likely to move in any time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hastings police on 0845 6070999 or call Crimestoppers free of charge and in confidence on 0800 555111.