BREAKING NEWS: Man arrested following Sompting explosion

A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following an explosion at a Sompting home yesterday (Thursday, September 20).

Emergency services were called to a report of an explosion at a house in Hillrise Avenue, Sompting, at 4.15pm, and found the bungalow ablaze.

A man in his 50s was pulled from the building by four neighbours and passers-by, and was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton to be treated for shock.

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No one else was injured and no one was evacuated. The home was gutted by the blaze, which also blew all the windows out and damaged a car on the driveway.

The road was closed at its junction with Hillbarn Avenue while firefighters put out the blaze, which was done by 5.30pm.

Detective Inspector Rob Walker said: “We believe this is related to a domestic incident at the address and there is no threat or risk to any member of the public. We are investigating the circumstances which led up to the fire at this property.”

The arrested man is said to be aged 54 and from Sompting. He was still in custody on Friday morning (September 21).

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