A beach hut was severely damaged after being torched by arsonists.

Fire crews were called to Hove Lagoon at about midnight on Friday to find a gas cylinder inside the hut had exploded and the structure well alight.

Police are investigating following reports that a group of young people were seen setting fire to the hut and running off.

Firefighters were at the scene for half-an-hour and there were no injuries.

A brigade spokesman said: "We were able to contain the fire so there was no damage to other huts but it could have been a lot worse."

The incident has increased calls for a crackdown on antisocial behaviour on Hove seafront.

Beach hut owners, residents and Brighton and Hove councillors want tougher action to prevent huts being broken into and vandalised.

Football games, illegal barbecues and fires on the seafront lawns are among the other concerns raised.

The council is being urged to bring in new bylaws to deal with the problems.

Some huts in prime spots can be sold for up to £10,000 and they have become a popular investment in the city.

In April this year huts on the Western Esplanade were targeted by thieves with doors ripped off and items stolen during a night raid which caused thousands of pounds' damage.

Hove councillor Paul Elgood said he was disappointed to hear the news of the latest incident.

He said: "We have been warning for months that antisocial behaviour in this area has been on the increase and sadly this is another example of this.

"Urgent action is needed to increase the police presence in the evening. I would also like to see improved lighting along the seafront and for CCTV cameras to fully cover the whole area.

"We need to stop this type of thing happening again."

The council says it is doing what it can to tackle the problem of antisocial behaviour.

Seafront officers are stopping daily and speaking to cyclists caught riding on the seafront and two days of action are planned soon with the police to stop and fine those who do not use the cycle lanes provided.

The council is also liaising with Sussex Police to get a CCTV van put at the bottom of Grand Avenue in the early evenings.

Extra police officers and police community support officers will also be available throughout the summer to investigate any issues and problems raised.