An investigation is under way after a suspected arson attack on a flat in Hastings last night.

The offender is thought to have stuffed rags through the letterbox of a ground floor flat in Priory Road, then set them on fire at 8.20pm.

Firefighters were called to clear the smoke using a large fan.

A brigade spokesman said: "We managed to contain the smoke to the ground floor so people living above were not evacuated but it did have the potential to be serious."

It was the second suspicious fire at the flat in seven days.