An arsonist is thought to have started four separate fires in an area around derelict flats last night.

The firestarter set alight to bin stores, a shed and a garden around Durand Close, Buckhurst Avenue and Culvers Avenue in Carshalton at around 10pm. Four crews of firefighters were called to different areas of the street to deal with the fires.

Watch manager Stephen-Remell Coleman, of Wallington fire station, said: "We needed four separate machines to deal with it because there were so many fires. We think it's just one person and the police are investigating because of the potential for loss of life on our side."

The arsonist set fire to two metal bins outside a garage in Durand Close, a bin behind properties in Culvers Avenue and a fence at the back of a house in Buckhurst Avenue which spread into a garden and to a disused shed.

If you have any information or saw anyone acting in a suspect manner you can call police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.