The owner of a cafe in Clapham that suffered extensive damage in a blaze this morning believes it was started deliberately.

Six fire engines were needed to extinguish the blaze at Cafe Cairo in Landor Road at about 6.20am.

Owner David Lodge explained that the cafe had been the subject of six attempted burglaries in the last six months, including one last week.

He installed security gates in response, but believes this has only spurred the culprits on.

He said: "I think it's suspicious. We've had so many burglaries and someone has burned it all down.

"The whole future of the cafe is in question - there's lots of damage there.

"I don't know if it can be repaired."

The cafe was thankfully empty at the time of the fire, which David said started in the back of the premises.

London Fire Brigade have yet to confirm whether the fire is being treated as suspicious but are examining the property.