Officers investigate incidents of thugs setting fire to rough sleepers in Croydon

Bullies tried to set light to homeless people in similar incidents last week.

Officers in Croydon are investigating incidents in which thugs tried to burn the clothes of people sleeping rough.

Detectives believe others may have been targeted and are appealing for any further victims and any witnesses to come forward.

There were two incidents reported in the area of George Street and Surrey Street in the early hours of Monday, June 10.

Two men were treated by the London Ambulance Service for minor burns.

Sleeping bags and other property was set alight. At around 5am on Wednesday, June 12, a man and a woman were stopped by police in George Street, Croydon and arrested.

The 22-year-old man was later charged and appeared in court on Tuesday.

He has been remanded to re-appear at Croydon Crown Court on July 11.

The 17-year-old girl was bailed until a date in July pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information concerning this incident is request to call police on 101 quoting reference 1018/10 June or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.

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