Bexhill video shop destroyed in blaze

The TVC store in Devonshire Road was destroyed in the early hours of January 22.

The fierce blaze forced 28 shocked Dalmore Court residents from their homes.

Fire struck the shop beneath the block of flats and caused firefighters to break their own picket line to fight the flames, fearing lives were at risk.

Both engines turned out from Bexhill Fire Station with mixed crews of full-time and retained firefighters to tackle 30ft high flames alongside Royal Navy crews with four Green Goddesses.

Police say the fire is NOT linked to two recent attacks on Bexhill businesses, both thought to be arson.

A pet shop in Sackville Road and The Mermaid seafront restaurant were both targets.

Evacuated residents from the latest fire were taken to the Jarvis Cooden Beach Hotel by police and Fire Victim Support of Hastings, where they stayed until the shop and flats were assessed, and their homes were declared safe to re-enter late morning.

Sergeant Dave Costigan said on Wednesday: "A senior fire investigator is doing an examination of the store and is talking to CID officers Detective Constable Jason Tuck and Detective Constable Tony Lockie who are conducting inquiries." A Scenes of Crimes Officer was called in.

A man in his 30s was later arrestedd on suspicion of arson and other offences.