DRINKERS were today counting the cost after firebugs torched a stolen car at a Brighton pub.

Flames from a Ford Escort set alight at the Toby Inn, Woodingdean, last night spread to a Suzuki van and Austin Montego parked nearby. The van was gutted and the pub, in Cowley Drive, suffered minor damage. Landlady Jackie Collacott said: "I was serving last orders when a couple of lads in the bar said there was a car on fire outside. "I was shaking like a leaf because I thought it might spread to the pub. Luckily, we only have some cracked windows in the entrance. "It was a shock but it will be business as usual today." Firefighters were called to a burning car in Hove at about the same time. The vehicle, in an underground car park at Addison Road, Hove, was destroyed. Wiring and concrete in the car park were damaged and offices above were smoke-logged. Police are investigating both incidents.

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