Arsonists are believed to be responsible for a blaze which tore through a timber-framed clubhouse.

Seventeen firefighters spent an hour bringing fierce flames under control at Hastings Canoe Club, Cinque Ports Way, at 1am yesterday.

They managed to stop the fire spreading to nearby storage huts and salvage some equipment but they could not prevent the fire from devastating the building, which may now have to be demolished.

At the height of the blaze, gas cylinders fizzed and the roof collapsed.

Sub Officer Neville Brampton, of Bohemia fire station, said: "It was extremely well alight when we arrived, what with it being a timber-framed building.

"There was quite a strong wind blowing in from the sea which could have made it spread easily."

Leading Firefighter Graham Geer, of The Ridge fire station, said the blaze was being treated as suspicious.

He said: "We have been called three times to that area in the past week to deal with beach hut fires so it does appear deliberate."