TOILETS at a popular stretch of beach have had to close because of an arson attack.

The fire service tackled the blaze at the public lavatories at Black Rock beach in Brighton.

Brighton and Hove City Council said the arson happened on Friday night.

The toilets had to be closed as a result.

Previously the authority had spent £2,000 on repairs and refurbishing the toilets at the beach, which lies at the end of the Volks electric light railway. Alternative loos are open in Madeira Drive.

The authority said: “Sorry we have had to close Black Rock toilets after arsonists set them on fire on Friday.

“The fire comes just weeks after we spent almost £2,000 on repairs and refurbishing. The fire service was on the scene quickly, and no one was injured.

“The nearest alternative is located at Peter Pan playground on Madeira Drive, including Radar Accessible facilities.”