Worthing Pets at Home arson: Police arrest boy aged 15

Firefighters were called to Pets at Home in Sompting Road in Worthing at 4.45pm on Sunday.

Pallets were ablaze at the rear of the store, which also damaged oxygen tanks, it was reported.

Staff at the store said it was lucky that no animals or people were hurt in the blaze.

A police investigation is underway, and officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

On Facebook, Pets at Home posted images of the fire which show flames spreading from pallets and engulfing the boundary fence.

An image shows the flames at the back of the Pets at Home store in Sompting after a suspected arson

Damage was also caused to the rear cladding on the building.

The store said it was “saddened and shocked” by the incident, and said: “We are so lucky and thankful for the efforts of the fire service and the police in getting the situation under control as efficiently as they did.

There was a suspected arson at the Pets at Home store in Sompting Road, Worthing

“There were still colleagues in the premises as well as a number of pets and the thoughts of what could have been are horrifying.

“The fire started right beside the fire exit and also right beside our stored oxygen cylinders, we are so very lucky this situation is not a lot worse.

The aftermath of the fire at the Pets at Home store in Sompting

“Unfortunately the oxygen supply pipes have been affected and badly melted, they will need to be assessed and repaired as a matter of urgency but mean that we will be unable to do surgery until we have more information.

“We will contact those affected and appreciate your understanding.”

The aftermath of the fire at the Pets at Home store in Sompting

In a statement about the incident Sussex Police said: “We are investigating a report of pallets on fire outside Pets at Home in Sompting Road, Worthing at 4.45pm on Sunday.

“Officers and fire crews attended and the fire was brought under control.

“No persons or animals were injured.

“A 15-year-old local boy was arrested on suspicion of arson and has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.”

The force said anyone who witnessed what happened, or who has information that may assist with enquiries, can report it to Sussex Police online or call 101, quoting 894 of 09/05.

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