Suspected gym arson sparks police appeal

Police have appealed for witnesses and information following a fire in the lobby of a West Sussex gym.

Two people were evacuated from the PureGym on London Road in Burgess Hill, with emergency services called to the building at around 03:20 GMT on Tuesday.

Sussex Police believe the blaze in a bin was started deliberately.

Officers want witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Sussex Police and two fire engines attended the scene and left at approximately 06:30.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue said: "Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire using a high pressure hose reel and a jet."

A PureGym spokesperson said no-one had been injured in the incident.

"The fire brigade were at the scene quickly and did an outstanding job extinguishing the fire. We thank them for their responsiveness and professionalism," they said.

The gym will be temporarily closed for repairs and customers are advised to use the nearby Haywards Heath PureGym in the meantime.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook on X and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.