Westminster man escapes home fire started deliberately

A man escaped without injury after a fire was deliberately started at his home in Lydford Road, Maida Hill. The incident occurred on Saturday, July 18. Police were initially called to the property shortly before 1.50am after a resident reported a disturbance outside his front door. Officers attended but found no one present.

Emergency services were called back to the same address around 4.50am on Saturday, July 18, following reports of a fire. The London Fire Brigade attended and confirmed that a man was inside the property at the time, but he sustained no harm.

Investigation launched

Detectives have launched an investigation into the incident. Enquiries have included reviewing CCTV footage, speaking with witnesses and neighbours, and conducting forensic examinations at the scene. The Metropolitan Police are now seeking to identify a man captured on CCTV in connection with the fire.

Detective Constable Lucy Kirkby, who is leading the investigation, stated that her team has worked to examine all available evidence. She appealed to the public for assistance, asking if anyone recognised the man in the released image or had seen suspicious activity in the Lydford Road, Walterton Road, or Fernhead Road areas during the early hours of July 18. Information from any CCTV, doorbell, dashcam, or other footage is also requested.

Anyone with any information, regardless of its perceived significance, is urged to come forward. Information can be provided by calling 101 and quoting the reference CAD1532/18JUL26.