Police and fire investigators in Bromley have launched a joint arson investigation after two high-value homes were engulfed in flames within 24 hours of each other, both suspected to be the work of arsonists. The first blaze struck “The White House,” a £1.6 million property on Plaistow Road, around 4 a.m. on Sunday, October 27. Less than a day later, a second property, valued at approximately £1.8 million on Orchard Road, was similarly set ablaze shortly after 10pm on Sunday evening.
Firefighters and police responded swiftly to both incidents. While no injuries have been reported, the scale of the fires and the close timing between them have raised suspicions, prompting authorities to investigate potential connections between the two events.
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Joint Arson Investigation Underway
With damages estimated to be significant at both sites, fire investigators are working closely with the police to examine the scenes for evidence of accelerants or other indicators of deliberate ignition. Detectives are exploring any potential links between the properties and whether the incidents could be part of a larger arson campaign targeting high-value homes in the Bromley area.
A police source stated, “The proximity in both time and location of these incidents has led us to treat them as potentially connected. We urge anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity near Plaistow Road or Orchard Road in the early hours of Sunday and Monday to come forward.”
Community Shocked by Targeted Blazes
The Bromley community has expressed shock and concern following the fires. Both properties, known for their architectural charm and high valuations, were well-regarded in the area. Local residents are now being advised to remain vigilant and report any unusual activity to the authorities as the investigation continues.
Appeal for Information
As investigators comb through evidence, police are appealing to residents for information or surveillance footage that may assist in identifying those responsible. Anyone with relevant details is urged to contact Bromley Police or Crimestoppers anonymously.
These devastating incidents underscore the seriousness with which authorities are approaching the investigation, as they work to bring those responsible to justice and prevent further damage in the area.
Met spokesperson: Police were called at 04:05hrs on Sunday, 27 October to reports of a fire at an address in Plaistow Lane, BR1. Separately, police were called at approximately 21:50hrs on Sunday, 27 October to reports of another fire at an address in Orchard Road, BR1. Officers responded to both incidents to support the London Fire Brigade. There were no reports of any injuries. This is an active investigation and police are keeping an open mind as to whether these incidents are linked.
Anyone who has information about either incident is asked to call 101, or message @MetCC on X, providing the reference 1620/27OCT for the Plaistow Lane fire and 7706/27OCT for the Orchard Road fire.
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
A London Fire Brigade Spokesman said: Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters tackled a fire at a detached house on Plaistow Lane in Bromley.
The first floor was destroyed and half of the ground floor was damaged by the fire. There were no reports of any injuries.
One of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders was used at the scene as a water tower to help fight the fire from above.
Control Officers took the first of 12 calls at 0404 and mobilised firefighters from Bromley, Beckenham, Lee Green and surrounding fire stations attended the scene. The fire was under control by 0651.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
