West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has joined other forces across the UK in support of a new campaign.

‘Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Week 2016’ launched yesterday and aims to raise awareness of the everyday dangers of being near water.

Research has found almost half of all drowning victims in 2014 had no intention of entering the water.

The Chief Fire Officers Association’s Water safety Lead, Dawn Whittaker, has said  “Most people would be shocked to hear that those people drowning just happen to be near water such as runners, walkers and anglers.”

Two cars have been damaged in a suspicious fire in Crawley.

A silver Vauxhall was completely burnt out, and a black Vauxhall parked nearby was damaged in the fire, thought to have been started deliberately.

The incident happened shortly before 9 o’clock Sunday evening in a car park in Forge Road.

A 40 year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and released on bail.

Sussex Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

A disqualified driver has been jailed after reaching speeds of 90mph during a police pursuit.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras in Crawley and Horsham alerted police to Robert Freeman, who was already disqualified from driving.

The Audi Q7 failed to stop when requested by police on 18th March and a pursuit ensued.

The 27 year-old carpenter from Horsham pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

He was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment, disqualified from driving for three years and ordered to pay £140 victim surcharge.

A teacher from Oxted has pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child.

Laura Cox pleaded guilty to all five counts in court on Wednesday 20th April.

The 27 year-old, who taught in Bromley, was arrested in September after the pupil admitted the abuse to his parents.

Residents in Surrey are being reminded to remain vigilant after hundreds of thousands of pounds were stolen from a woman by conmen.

The victim was conned into making payments totalling £170,000 by men claiming to be trading standards officers.

Surrey Police have issued advice:

– If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

– Always check the caller’s identity and telephone the company they say they are from to check that they are genuine.

– If you are concerned about a doorstep caller, please tell friends or family, or telephone the police.

– If in doubt, keep them out.

To report fraud and for further advice, please go to www.actionfraud.police.uk or call the Action Fraud contact centre on 0300 123 2040.