One person was taken to hospital and three courtrooms cleared after an arsonist set fire to toilets at Worthing Magistrates' Court yesterday

The building was evacuated while firefighters tacked the blaze in the ground-floor lavatories.

Three courts were in session when fire broke out at 11.30am yesterday. It spread to electrical wiring and the roof space.

One person was taken to Worthing Hospital suffering from the effects of breathing in smoke.

Fire brigade Sub Officer Darren Wickings said: "The toilets were very badly damaged by heat and smoke and specialist fire investigation officers are on the scene.

"After an investigation by the police and the fire investigation team, we have concluded the fire was started deliberately in the toilets.

"Police are now trying to find out more information as to who was in the area."

A court spokeswoman said Court 3 was expected to reopen today.