Witnesses are urgently being sought by police.

DI Stu Hale said: "We believe Redd was intentionally targeted by arsonists and would urge anyone who was in the vicinity of The Martlets shopping precinct, from around 1am on Tuesday July 15, to come forward, and let us know what they may have seen or heard.

"Information that may seem very insignificant to them, may be of great importance to the police investigation."

He added: "This deliberate act has caused disruption to businesses, traffic and the lives of those living nearby, and will cost the local economy a great deal at this increasingly difficult financial time.

"It is important that we bring the offender of this crime to justice.

"We are also keen to trace any person who may have sustained burn injuries at the start of this week."

After many hours, the fire was contained by West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, with the assistance of colleagues from Surrey and East Sussex.

Gary Towson of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service condemned the person responsible for this act and added: "The intensity of the fire put the lives of firefighters at risk.

"The Incident Commander made an astute decision to withdraw the firefighters for their own safety, and the roof collapsed a few minutes later. Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties."

The scene remains cordoned off and fire investigators with search trained dogs and police forensic scientists have been searching for evidence.

They are likely to continue this painstaking work for at least the rest of today (July 17).

CCTV is being collated and viewed as part of continuing enquiries.
Anyone with information should call DI Hale at Haywards Heath 0845 60 70 999, quoting serial 122 of 15th July.

Alternatively, to give information about crime anonymously, ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Police: Lap dancing club fire was arson

Lap dance club blaze footage

Video: lap dancing club investigation

Further report and slideshow