A homeless man's tent and his belongings inside were destroyed by a fire.

Firefighters were called to Marine Drive in Brighton at around 10.15pm last night to find the flames had already taken hold and the tent could not be saved.

The fire is believed to have been started deliberately and police are investigating.

The victim was not at the scene when crews first arrived but returned just as they had put it out.

Red Cross fire victim support unit was called out to help the man overnight.