A VEHICLE was badly damaged as arsonists set fire to five bins in a single night.

Police are now appealing for witnesses after the spate of deliberate blazes in Eastbourne.

Police and crews from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service first responded to a fire near a Ladbrokes store in Seaside in the early hours of Saturday.

This was followed by blazes in Redoubt Road, Wartling Road and Seabeach Lane.

In each case, a wheelie bin or recycling bin left on the pavement outside a residential address had been set alight.

Sergeant Ed Faulkner, of Eastbourne Neighbourhood Policing Team, said the offences were dangerous and could have “serious consequences”.

“We are grateful to the fire service and residents for acting quickly to extinguish these fires so that damage to property has been limited,” he said.

“A vehicle was badly damaged in Seabeach Lane following one of these fires.

"Our enquiries are ongoing and we are keen to hear from anyone who may have any information in relation to this series of fires.”

Police would particularly like to speak to two people who may have seen one of the fires in Seaside, which happened between 12.30am and 1am.

“If you were in the area around this time, please get in touch as your information could be vital to our investigation,” said Sergeant Faulkner.

Anyone else who witnessed any suspicious behaviour or who has any information is asked to contact police online or by calling 101, quoting serial 86 of 20/11.