A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after an alleged "fire bomb attack" near Croydon Retail Park on Purley Way this morning (Wednesday, June 16).

Police and fire crews descended on the scene at Beddington Farm Road, close to the IKEA at Purley Way, early on Wednesday morning.

The Metropolitan Police said they had responded to reports that a man had "made threats towards a second person".

"Officers carried out a search of the area. Several small fires were discovered and extinguished by officers.

"A 32-year-old man was arrested in the vicinity of Beddington Farm Road on suspicion of arson.

"There were no reported injuries. Enquiries continue," a Met Police spokesperson told the Croydon Guardian.

Your Local Guardian: Credit: Desmond FitzGeraldCredit: Desmond FitzGerald

Inside Croydon reported that the alleged arson attack had involved a "petrol bomb" and targeted a business based on Beddington Farm Road.

A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade meanwhile said: 

"Firefighters were called to a fire at an office and industrial yard on Beddington Farm Road in Beddington.

"An industrial vacuum was destroyed by fire and half of a fork lift truck outside of the building was also damaged by the blaze. There were no reports of any injuries.

"The Brigade was called at 0917 and the incident was over for firefighters by 0959. Two fire engines from Croydon and Wallington fire stations attended the scene.

"The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Brigade and the Metropolitan Police Service."