Wandsworth Council has offered a £1,000 reward to track down the culprits of a suspected arson attack in Southfields.

At about 6am yesterday (August 3), a fly-tipped sofa outside the entrance to a block of flats in Chobham Gardens was set on fire.

Electrical circuits and equipment were badly damaged in the blaze, the building’s security system was knocked out and there was “severe” smoke damage to the communal entrance area.

It did not spread to any residential properties or cause damage to anyone’s home.

The fly-tip had been there since Wednesday. 

Wandsworth’s cabinet member for housing, councillor Clare Salier said: “It absolutely beggars belief that someone would do this in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

“This was an appalling act of vandalism that could have had terrible consequences.

“The fire did not spread to residents’ homes, but following the disaster in Kensington we are fully aware that any incident like this in our blocks will be worrying to our residents.

“We want to reassure them that we will leave no stone unturned in tracing those responsible.”

If the culprits are identified, the council will take immediate legal action.

The £1,000 is for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Anyone with information can contact the police on 101 number or the housing department’s western area team on 020 8871 5530.