A detective hunting serial arsonists has warned they could face a murder investigation.

Police offered a £1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction after at least seven homes in Worthing were targeted.

Elderly residents are living in fear after being advised to close their windows at night.

Detective Inspector Trevor Bates, of Worthing CID, warned the arsonists their actions could have potentially tragic consequences.

He said: “Of course this is dangerous and their actions could be threatening people’s lives.

I am not saying they intend to but you could end up with someone being killed.

“Any one of these could go wrong and we could be looking at a murder investigation.”

On Friday, a family of five were lucky to escape with their lives after an arsonist torched a recycling bin in the porch of their Normandy Road home at 4.30am.

Shortly afterwards, a lighted leaflet was pushed through the letterbox of a house in Gratwicke Road and the net curtains of a home in Clifton Road were set alight.

Yesterday police visited Rackham Road, scene of an attack on Tuesday, to reassure residents.

DI Bates said: “People are concerned but are sensible enough to realise these are isolated cases and the area is still pretty safe.”

Three men were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life in connection with Tuesday’s fires and bailed.

Yesterday police arrested a 30-year-old woman.

She is in police custody.

Anyone with information should call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.