Three fires which broke out within minutes of each other are believed to have been the work of arsonists.

Firefighters were called to a blaze in a warehouse in Victoria Road, Crawley, just after midnight. Their attempts to put the fire out were hampered when they discovered propane cylinders outside the building. As they battled with the fire another blaze was discovered in a nearby derelict building.

Both fires were quickly brought under control.

Investigations revealed the fires were started intentionally.

A third fire was then reported in a derelict building in Robinson Road.

A fire brigade spokesman said: "Police and fire investigation officers will be attending the scene in order to fully establish the cause of the fire and attempt to identify the criminal suspects."