An Eastbourne fisherman today voiced his anger at vandals who set fire to his ten-year-old son's boat.

The 18ft boat, named Jean, was set alight on Sunday night.

Owner Joe Watt said the attack had devastated his son Danny, who goes to Stafford Junior School in Eastbourne.

Mr Watt, 34, who lives in the Harbour area, said: "It was quite badly damaged. I really can't think who would want to do anything like that.

"I have another boat over in the harbour that I fish off full-time. I bought this for my son, which makes it worse.

"I was going to let him take it out in the summer and get him into fishing and sailing. I'm upset for Danny."

Mr Watt has been a fisherman for 15 years and said he would consider moving the boat from behind the Fishermen's Club, following the vandalism.

He said: "I suppose I might have to think about it now. It is possible we will have to find somewhere else to moor it."

Peter Warren, vice-chairman of the Eastbourne Fishermen's and Boatmen's Protection Society, said CCTV cameras would be installed along the moorings by the weekend.

He said: "It seemed the best thing to do. By Sunday we should also have two more lights up as well."

Boats along the seafront have been the target for vandals since the start of the year.

Despite efforts to regularly patrol the area, three craft have been wrecked.

Police have appealed for witnesses.