House attack could be arson

A family moving back onto the estate after a six-week absence arrived to find firefighters and police inspecting the charred remains of their front door after the attack at around 5.20pm.

It's thought the culprit saw them arriving and stuffed a burning object through the letterbox when the family went off to retrieve more furniture.

The door was badly damaged but the blaze had gone out by the time firefighters arrived.

Police say the attack was linked to the on-going problem, which has recently led to threats, violence and four families moved away from the area for their own safety.

Chief Inspector Bruce Mathews said: "This was an extremely serious offence which has only served to complicate the already-delicate situation in Pebsham."

When asked to speculate on a motive, he added: "It appears to be the result of a known dispute and we are investigating with an open mind."

He said the victims, the King family, were known to police, adding: "We and other agencies have received a number of complaints from that part of the estate in recent months, working both ways."

The father, John King is the subject of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order issued last year. He is thought to be no longer living with the family. Amid hysterical scenes outside the house following Monday's incident the family, who have lived in Pebsham for around seven years, screamed for those responsible to show themselves and threatened revenge.

The Observer was met with a wall of silence during house-to-house inquiries in Seabourne Road, with neighbours too afraid to speak out.

Only last Thursday Police, Rother Homes and Rother District Council held a crisis meeting about the situation of families being terrorised on the estate.

Ch Insp Mathews added: "We are in detailed discussions with the relevant agencies to provide a short-term solution to the problem for everyone and to stop things like this happening again."

One solution could be the imminent appointment of an Anti-Social Behaviour-Co-ordinator and a Crime Reduction Officer to tackle the effects and root-causes of the problem.

Rother Homes says it cannot discuss individual cases but is working closely with its partners to, 'resolve the complex issues at Pebsham.'

Police have issued an appeal for witnesses to Monday's incident to call 0845 60 70 999.

Sub-Officer Neville Brampton, of East Sussex Fire and Rescue, said it appeared someone had tried to set fire to the letterbox and may have stuffed in a burning rag.

He said it would be a matter for police investigation but did not think petrol or other flamables had been used.