The owners of one of Putney's oldest buildings could face prosecution and a huge fine after they demolished the property unlawfully.

Wandsworth Council launched an investigation and told builders to immediately cease all works above ground level at the property in Lower Common South, by Putney Common, after being alerted to the issue last week.

The council intervened after receiving reports the large family house was being demolished.

A Wandsworth Council spokesman said the owners "neither sought nor been given consent to demolish the building, which stands in a conservation area".

He said: "An investigation has now been launched by the enforcement team, which could ultimately lead to legal action being taken against the owners for breaches of the Town and Country Planning Act.

"Enforcement officers have met with the owners to urgently discuss these matters."

John Horrocks, of the Putney Society, said: "The complete demolition of this large house, in one of Putney's finest conservation areas, is an act of vandalism.

"It is a two-fingered challenge to the integrity of all Wandsworth's conservation areas.

"I expect that the Putney Society will be asking the council to take all the necessary legal steps in the circumstances."