Arson Fiend Jailed for Twice Torching KFC Toilets and Vandalising Hotel
Flamer Hits Same KFC Twice
Alan Burren, 48, sparked panic after setting fire to the toilets at a Haywards Heath KFC not once, but twice. The first blaze went up on November 3, 2024, inside the South Road branch. CCTV captured Burren sneaking straight into the loos before a fire sent smoke billowing through the restaurant. He slipped out without alerting staff.
Just four months later, Burren struck again on March 10, 2025, igniting another toilet fire at the same KFC. A member of the public spotted the smoke and quickly alerted authorities, avoiding what could have been a disaster.
Hotel Vandalism Adds to Long List
But Burren’s destruction didn’t stop there. On January 5, 2025, the maniac rampaged through the Premier Inn on Perrymount Road. Armed with permanent markers and cutting tools, he left mirrors covered in graffiti and furniture slashed to pieces.
Quick Arrest After Fiery Spree
Police tracked Burren down near Clair Park soon after the March KFC fire. Detectives matched his clothing from CCTV footage to the earlier November attack. On arrest, Burren reeked of smoke and was found with cocaine—a separate conviction he later took the rap for in June.
Detective Inspector Lee Simmonds said: “Burren’s actions were extremely reckless and put lives at risk. His behaviour caused a great deal of concern in the community after the same restaurant was damaged twice in a matter of months. The evidence against him was so strong that he had no choice but to plead guilty. We are pleased that a potentially dangerous man is now serving a custodial sentence.”
Sentenced to Prison
At 1 Crown Court, Burren pled guilty to two counts of arson and one of criminal damage on July 25. The judge sentenced him to 20 months behind bars for his fiery rampage and vandal attacks.
