THOUSANDS of pounds of damage was caused when a fire raged through a caravan compound.

Fire officers are now investigating the suspicious blaze which destroyed three caravans and a speedboat, and severely damaged three other caravans.

The fire at New Place Caravans, near Angmering, started at around 11.30pm last night.

Fifteen firefighters from East Preston and Arundel tackled the blaze, which also damaged six metres of hedge.

The site's owner Robert Ayre said: "The flames were going about 30ft in the air above the trees."

Because of the intensity of the blaze, firefighters had to use a thermal imaging camera to find gas cylinders stored there.

Two exploded in the heat and five others were removed and cooled with water jets.

No one was injured.

Mr Ayre, 81, said: "I think the fuel in the speedboat went up because it was a hell of a fire, but the wind wasn't very strong and the fire didn't spread."

Afire brigade spokesman said: "There are 50 caravans stored at the site but fortunately we got there in time to prevent any further damage.

"The fire is of doubtful origin and is now under investigation."

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