A boat was set alight in the latest of a spate of attacks on fishing vessels moored near Eastbourne Fishermen's Club.

Vandals struck last night despite added security measures to stamp out the arson attacks.

Passers-by spotted an 18ft craft on fire and alerted the fire brigade at 8.30pm.

Firefighters put out the flames before they reached the boat's fuel tanks.

A brigade spokesman said: "It was quite badly damaged and we were there for about half an hour making sure it was safe.

"The police came along as well because there has been a spate of attacks."

Three fishing boats have been destroyed by arsonists since the beginning of the year, prompting fishermen to install security lights.

Previous efforts to deter crime included a round-the-clock watch.

Now a closed-circuit TV system could be installed.

A fisherman said three youngsters had been seen near the boats with a petrol can.