Police hunt knife-wielding man after Norbury arson attacks

Police have released photos of a man wanted in connection with two arson attacks in Norbury.

Images of the man, seen holding a knife and acting suspiciously, have been published by the Metropolitan Police following fires in Merton in June and July.

Scotland Yard believes both blazes were caused deliberately.

The manhunt follows a fire on June 26 in a field off Woodmansterne Road at the junction with Lacrosse Way.

The blaze, attended by 100 firefighters, caused damage to homes and forced some residents to be evacuated.

Approximately seven hectares of wasteland, shrubs and school playing fields were set alight.

At the time the London Fire Brigade’s assistant commissioner Jonathan Smith said: "Firefighters faced a very intense and serious fire.

“There is no doubt that the dynamic actions taken by crews immediately on arrival saved more than 40 homes from the blaze.”

The incident has been linked to another fire at the same location on July 19.

There were no reports of any serious injuries and no arrests have yet been made as part of the police investigation.

People with information can call Scotland Yard on 101, quoting the reference number CAD 3210/26 Jun.

They can also tweet @MetCC or, to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.