Police cars burnt out in attack

An attack on a police station has left windows smashed and four police cars burnt out.

Three other police vehicles were damaged in the incident at Chichester Police Station, in West Sussex, at about 0330 GMT on Thursday.

Officers assisted by members of the public arrested a 46-year-old man in front of the building within minutes, Sussex Police said.

The man remained in custody on Thursday for questioning in connection with the incident.

A Sussex Police spokesman said significant fire damage had been caused to four police cars parked at the front of the station.

Cracked windows

Two further vehicles had suffered broken windows and one minor fire damage.

Chief Inspector Mark Eyre, of Chichester Police, said: "Although a significant amount of damage has been caused to four police vehicles, damage to the police station is limited to a number of broken or cracked windows.

"Although officers were on duty within the police premises at Chichester no officer was present in the areas where damage was caused.

"No injuries were sustained by any officer or member of the public during the incident or at the time of the arrest."

He said the damage was inconvenient but had not prevented normal policing.

"Replacement police vehicles have been obtained from other stations across the division and the public inquiry office of the police station will open as usual," he said.

Sussex Police have appealed for anyone who was in the area at 0330 GMT to contact them.