Worthing police are investigating a house fire which is thought to have been started deliberately.
Neighbours gathered as flames leaped from the windows of the house in Chester Avenue.
Firefighters from Worthing and Lancing spent 90 minutes bringing the blaze under control.
The ground floor of the home was severely damaged in the fire, which began at 7.30pm last night.
The rest of the house was damaged by smoke and heat. Chester Avenue resident Dave Mills, 42, said: "There were three fire engines outside with firemen tackling the blaze. I don't think there was anybody in the house at the time.
"You could see the smoke pouring out from the windows on the first floor. I've no idea how it started."
A police guard was still in position at the house this morning as the investigation continued.
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