£1.8m Bromley Home Ravaged in Suspected Arson Attack
John Blaine woke to nightmare news this morning. His lavish £1.8 million Bromley home on Plaistow Lane was severely damaged in a suspected arson blaze around 10pm on Saturday, October 26.
The retired chartered surveyor has battled a string of incidents at the property, including break-ins and vandalism. Blaine, who spent 30 years renovating the house, told us: “The police called me just before 8am to say my house had been set on fire last night. It doesn’t look good. After all the years and effort I’ve put into it, it’s heartbreaking.”
Fire Causes Havoc as Police Hunt Arsonist
The London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police are investigating the cause of the blaze. Officers suspect a possible link to earlier crimes at the same address, where mirrors and windows were smashed and glass strewn across the floor.
Police previously arrested and charged a suspect over those attacks, but the current status of that case is unclear.
Second Fire in Bromley Adds to Mystery
The plot thickens with a second fire reported at 9:50pm on Orchard Road, also in Bromley. Both fires were tackled by London Fire Brigade crews and police, who haven’t ruled out a connection between the two incidents.
Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
Police Plea: Help Catch Those Responsible
Authorities urge anyone with info to speak up. Witnesses to the Plaistow Lane fire should call 101 or contact @MetCC on X, quoting reference 1620/27OCT. For Orchard Road, quote 7706/27OCT.
Anonymous tips can also be made through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.