Weekend shoppers in Worthing could face parking chaos after arsonists torched a vehicle in a town centre car park.

The 600-space Guildbourne Centre car park in Worthing is closed today after flames ripped through the building just before 5am this morning.

Thick, black smoke and flames damaged the internal structure including the roof and electrics.

Worthing firefighter Richard Pullan, who attended the fire, said: "The second and third levels were completely engulfed with thick, black smoke so the fire was difficult to get to.

"The car was completely burnt out. The roof of the second floor was badly damaged."

Worthing Borough Council closed the car park while investigations went on into the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage.

Head of Environmental services Haydn Smith said he hoped the car park - one of four multi-storeys in the town - would be open on Saturday but he could not guarantee it.

He said: "We are still assessing the damage. Repairs are being carried out and the burnt out car will have to be cleared."

The High Street car park, one of the most popular in town, is open 24 hours. It has no permanent security presence at night but has security patrols.

Mr Smith said: "We will be looking at security measures at the car park and assess if any measures need to be taken."