Tanning salon fire suspected arson - police

Smoke could be seen billowing from the property as firefighters worked at the scene on Monday night

A fire which devastated a tanning salon in West Sussex is being investigated as suspected arson, police have said.

No one was injured in the blaze, but 40 people were evacuated from flats above Tan Tastic in Broadwater Street West, Worthing, shortly before 23:00 BST on Monday.

The owners of the salon, which was reportedly targeted by vandals recently, have offered a £5,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest.

Sussex Police said it was investigating the incident as arson and enquiries were ongoing.

In a post on Facebook, Tan Tastic said the business had been completely devastated by the fire.

"Our hearts are broken, not just for us, but the residents in the flat above us who have now lost everything and the surrounding businesses who have suffered smoke damage," they said.

"To think someone would be that vindictive towards a new business, to not even consider the innocent lives they put at risk, is mind boggling to us."

Fire crews accessed the property before leaving the scene on Tuesday

Only a few months after opening, the salon said it had experienced "three major incidents".

"First was a break in on the 30 September which resulted in sledgehammers and paint vandalising our store,” they said.

"Second was the 13 October which left our windows smashed by a hammer.

“And thirdly on the 21 October, a fire completely devastating the salon."

The owners added that they plan to "rebuild bigger and better".

Anyone with information is urged to contact police.