A "SPITEFUL" thug who hurled petrol bombs at a family home with children inside has been jailed.

Peter Bailey admitted arson with intent to endanger life after the incident at Chiltern Drive in Hastings in May.

The 33-year-old threw two petrol bombs at the home, hitting the front and side of the building and briefly setting it on fire.

Neighbours poured water on the flames, and the fires were out by the time firefighters arrived.

Police say the occupants of the home were left “shaken” by “frightening and completely unexpected” attack.

Detective Constable David Brown said Bailey had a dispute with a relative of the family living there in the past.

He was linked with forensics to the fire, and despite at first denying the arson, he admitted his guilt at Lewes Crown Court on December 20.

Det Con Brown said: "This was clear case of spiteful and vicious reaction to his simply seeing a man in the town centre earlier that day with whom he had an issue some time ago.

"It is very fortunate that the fire did not spread and cause injury or worse."

Bailey, of Plynlimmon Drive in Hastings, appeared in court where he was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

He will also serve an extended period of five years on licence supervision when he is released.