Ex-Royal Marine and Cowfold businessman left with £150,000 of damage after suspected arson attack on his birthday

Tree surgeon Dan Holder, 33, said the break in cost him £26,000 in hand tools, £95,000 in larger machinery as well as other expenses to fix equipment.

Dan, who has seven people working for him, added: “I just felt sad for the guys.

“We worked really hard to build up to what we are now.

“To basically see it all go up in flames all for the sake of a few chainsaws.

“It’s just a massive waste. So much effort, so much money – to see it all just burn away.”

He said the thieves were ‘clueless’ as to who is actually affected.

Dan, from Brighton, added: “I don’t think they fully understand the impact on people’s lives. It just has such a knock on effect for so many people.”