A man was being quizzed by police today after a suspect blaze severely damaged a top-floor flat in East Sussex.

Firefighters spent more than an hour tackling the blaze in a three-storey building in Earl Street, Hastings.

The building, near the Priory Meadow Shopping Centre, was reported on fire at 3.10am.

Hastings firefighters said the blaze started in the living room but eventually engulfed the whole flat, causing major smoke and fire damage.

A couple living in the basement flat were allowed to remain in the building. The occupants of the first floor were away.

Scenes of crime officers and a fire brigade investigator were carrying out inquiries today.

A man in his 40s was arrested, and was being quizzed at Hastings police station.

A fire brigade spokesman said: "It is being treated as suspicious at this stage."