Police launch manhunt after suspected arson attack at disused hairdressers
12 September 2019, 05:39
Police have launched a manhunt after a suspected arson attack at a former hairdressers severely damaged a flat.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses after the blaze on Cheam Common Road in Worcester Park, south west London, on Saturday evening.
They have also released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak with, who was seen walking into a nearby alleyway around 20 minutes before the emergency services were called.
Officers are asking that anyone who recognises him contacts the police.
Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters attended the fire, which damaged both the derelict shop and the flats above it.
London Fire Brigade said they received 23 calls about the fire around 5pm, and the fire was under control at 7.13pm.
Fire crews from Sutton, New Malden and Mitcham attended the scene.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “Police were called at 17:00hrs on Saturday, 7 September to reports of a fire on Cheam Common Road.
"Officers, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and the London Ambulance Service attended.
“A number of neighbouring buildings were evacuated as a precaution.
“The disused shop and the empty flat above were severely damaged by the fire.
“Fortunately, no one was injured.
“The fire is being treated as suspicious.”
