An arsonist who twice set fire to the toilets of a KFC restaurant in Haywards Heath — and later caused damage at a local hotel — has been jailed.
Alan Burren, 48, formerly of America Lane, Haywards Heath, admitted two arson charges and one count of criminal damage at Lewes Crown Court on July 25. He was sentenced to one year and eight months in prison.
On 10 March 2025, Burren returned to the same restaurant and once again started a blaze in the toilets. The fire was discovered by a member of the public, who was engulfed in smoke.
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Hotel Damage
On 5 January 2025, Burren also caused damage at the Premier Inn in Perrymount Road. He used a permanent marker on mirrors and sofas, and damaged furniture with cutting tools.
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Arrest and Investigation
Officers from Mid Sussex Response located Burren near Clair Park shortly after the March fire. Detectives from Crawley CID linked him to the November incident through CCTV footage, which showed him in the same clothing. When arrested, he was said to smell strongly of smoke.
Burren was also found in possession of cocaine at the time of his arrest, for which he was separately convicted in June.
Police Statement
Detective Inspector Lee Simmonds from Crawley CID 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.”
