A fire at a rural derelict house in Harrow Weald Common yesterday afternoon is being investigated police.

The blaze at the detached house in Old Redding at just after 4.30pm caused extensive damage to the first floor and completely destroyed the roof.

Approximately 20 firefighters battled the fire, which was opposite The Case Is Altered pub, to bring it under control and remained at the scene until just before 8.15am this morning to dampen down the ashes to make sure the building did not reignite.

Because of the poor condition of the house, it was too dangerous for firefighters to enter, meaning it took a long time to bring the fire under control.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police.