Arson Damages Entrance of Tesco in Hove – Police Release CCTV Images

A fire that broke out at the Tesco supermarket on Church Road in Hove during the early hours of Thursday, 24 July, is being investigated as a deliberate act of arson. Emergency services were called to the scene at around 4:20am. Crews from East Sussex Fire & Rescue tackled the blaze using breathing apparatus and […]

A fire that broke out at the Tesco supermarket on Church Road in Hove during the early hours of Thursday, 24 July, is being investigated as a deliberate act of arson.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 4:20am. Crews from East Sussex Fire & Rescue tackled the blaze using breathing apparatus and hose reel jets, bringing it under control by 6:11am. While the store remained operational, access to the damaged front entrance was restricted with police tape. Staff managed a partial closure as investigations began.

Sussex Police have since released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak with in connection to the incident. He is described as having dark hair and wearing a white shirt or light jumper with black writing, along with blue jeans and white trainers.

Officers are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the man. They are particularly interested in any CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage from the area around the time of the fire. Residents and businesses in the vicinity are urged to review their recordings and report any suspicious activity.

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Sussex Police online or call 101, quoting serial 197 of 24/07.

The fire has raised safety concerns among local residents, particularly as the entrance area had reportedly contained flammable materials, including stacked barbecue coals earlier that day.

Police continue to investigate and urge the public to come forward with any information that might help identify the person responsible.