Children Evacuated Following Suspected Deliberate Fire at East Sussex Football Ground

Children were evacuated following a fire at a football ground in East Sussex, an incident authorities believe was deliberately set. Emergency services responded to the blaze at the recreation ground on Western Road in Hailsham at 19:10 GMT on Tuesday. Sussex Police stated that the fire is being investigated as a “suspected deliberate ignition”. Hailsham Town Football Club expressed gratitude to its youth team coaches for assisting several children to safety. A club spokesman also conveyed appreciation, stating, “Fire crews are on site, and we thank them, and our volunteers… for their efforts in tackling the blaze and saving equipment.” The football club reported that the fire affected a hedge located between the ground and the recreation ground. Police confirmed that enquiries into the incident are ongoing, and no arrests have been made. East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service stated that two fire engines from Eastbourne attended the scene and utilized two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire. ESFRS further confirmed that no injuries occurred. Eyewitness Neil Povey recounted how he and his son assisted in relocating football club equipment away from the flames. He informed BBC Radio Sussex, “There were some goal posts that were not next to the fire, but the fire was heading their way. So we very quickly moved those out of the way.” Povey added, “It then became evident that behind the hedge there was also a stand on fire as well.” He estimated that approximately 20% of the stand sustained damage from the fire. Individuals with information regarding the fire are encouraged to contact the police.