Police are investigating a suspected arson attack in Thornton Heath in the early hours of this morning.

Rubbish and a pile of wood had been set fire to in Osborne Road and the flames spread to a fence and an outbuilding near a house at about 4am.

Heat from the blaze blistered the double glazing of the house and a neighbour raised the alarm after hearing the sound of exploding paint tins caused by the fire.

Firefighters spent about an hour tackling the fire which is believed to have been started deliberately.