A fire which tore through a house in Thornton Heath is believed to have destroyed a cannabis factory.

Six fire crews were called to Langdale Road at 11.50am yesterday to reports of smoke billowing from a house.

Thirty firefighters from Croydon, Norbury, Tooting and Mitcham fire stations tackled the blaze, which caused part of the roof to collapse and damage to the first floor.

Police confirmed they would be investigating the cause of the blaze, as well as the property's contents.

A police spokesman said: "We were called at approximately 12pm to the fire.

"We believe there were cannabis plants inside the building, but it is still deemed unsafe so officers have been unable to go in.

"We are investigating."