Social workers dealing with vulnerable young people leaving Sutton Council’s care system appear to have been the target of an arson attack after petrol and a broken window was found at the back of their office.

On Monday: Vulnerable families office in Thornton Road targeted in suspected arson attack

Firefighters from Mitcham were called to the Thornton Road office in Carshalton at about 10.30pm on Sunday.

A Mitcham firefighter said: "We investigated and found the back window smashed and petrol at the back, which makes us think it was arson."

A spokesperson for Sutton Council said: “The building is used by our leaving care team which provides services for young people leaving our care system.

“We have moved the team to another building to ensure the service continues to run as normal.”

Sutton police are investigating the incident.

A spokesman said: “The fire caused significant damage to the kitchen after a rear window had been smashed.

“There was minor smoke damage to other rooms.

“The incident is being treated as suspected arson.”

Two fire engines took almost two hours to put out the fire.

No one was in the office at the time and no one was injured. Anyone with information is asked to call Sutton police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Did you see what happened? Call the newsdesk on 020 8722 6307 or email andrea.downey@london.newsquest.co.uk