Man arrested following car fire near Lewes prison

A 23-year-old local man has been arrested after a car was discovered ablaze at a busy crossroads right next to HMP Lewes.

The Incident

Sussex Police officers were driving through the town shortly before 5:00 am on Saturday, 25 July 2026, when they encountered a vehicle fully engulfed in flames. The fire occurred at the junction of Brighton Road, Nevill Road, and Western Road. 

• Emergency Response: East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service arrived at 4:45 am and quickly confirmed that no occupants were inside the burning vehicle. Crews completely cleared the scene by 6:00 am. 
• Travel Impact: The emergency response forced the closure of the A277 Western Road from Warren Drive to Winterbourne Hollow, disrupting morning traffic near the prison. 

Arrest and Charges

Following the discovery, police tracked down and arrested a 23-year-old man from Lewes. According to a Sussex Police spokesperson, he was taken into custody on suspicion of: 

• Driving while over the prescribed limit (drink-driving)
• Careless driving
• Failing to stop at the scene of a collision