Police investigating two house fires in Bromley are remaining “open-minded” that the fires could be linked.

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters tackled the first fire in Plaistow Lane at around 4.05am yesterday (October 27).

The first floor was destroyed, and half of the ground floor was also damaged by the blaze.

There were no reports of any injuries.

Later that same day, at around 9.50pm, another fire broke out at a house in Orchard Road where most of the ground floor and all the first floor were destroyed.

In both instances, specialist equipment, including a 32-metre turntable ladder, was used to help fight the fires from above.

The cause of both fires is currently under investigation, and police have not ruled out the possibility that the two may be connected.

Anyone who has information about either incident is asked to call 101, or message @MetCC on X, providing the reference 1620/27OCT for the Plaistow Lane fire and 7706/27OCT for the Orchard Road fire.

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called at 04:05hrs on Sunday, 27 October to reports of a fire at an address in Plaistow Lane, BR1.

“Separately, police were called at approximately 21:50hrs on Sunday, 27 October to reports of another fire at an address in Orchard Road, BR1.

“Officers responded to both incidents to support the London Fire Brigade.

“There were no reports of any injuries.

“This is an active investigation and police are keeping an open mind as to whether these incidents are linked.

“Anyone who has information about either incident is asked to call 101, or message @MetCC on X, providing the reference 1620/27OCT for the Plaistow Lane fire and 7706/27OCT for the Orchard Road fire.

“Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

A spokesperson London Fire Brigade said: “Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters tackled a house fire on Orchard Road in Bromley.

“Most of the ground floor and all of the first floor of the two-storey building were destroyed by fire. There were no reports of any injuries.

“A 32-metre turntable ladder was used at the scene as a water tower to help fight the fire from height.

“The Brigade's 999 Control Officers received over five calls to this fire.

“Control Officers received the first call at 2148 and mobilised crews from Lewisham, Forest Hill, Bromley and surrounding fire stations to the scene.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”

A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: “Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters tackled a fire at a detached house on Plaistow Lane in Bromley.

“The first floor was destroyed and half of the ground floor was damaged by the fire. There were no reports of any injuries.

“One of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders was used at the scene as a water tower to help fight the fire from above.

“Control Officers took the first of 12 calls at 0404 (27/10/2024) and mobilised firefighters from Bromley, Beckenham, Lee Green and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

“The fire was under control by 0651.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”