POLICE are investigating after rubbish was set on fire outside shops.

Flames from the rubbish spread into the Marks & Spencer loading bay, Homefield Rise, Orpington, just before 8pm on Sunday.

It took fire crews from Orpington, Bromley and Downham an hour to put the fire out.

The loading bay was not seriously damaged.

A Marks & Spencer spokesman said: "The important thing is nobody was hurt.

"The store is open as normal."

There were also two rubbish fires near the Walnuts leisure centre bins during the weekend.

Staff at the Lych Gate Road, Orpington, centre used fire extinguishers to tackle the fires on Friday and Sunday evenings.

The Marks & Spencer fire is being treated as a suspected arson.

Anyone with information about any of the fires is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.