UPDATE: Man charged with four counts of arson over Camberwell car fires

A man has been charged with arson after a spate of car fires plagued residents in Camberwell.

The South London Press exclusively reported that a suspected serial car arsonist was on the loose after at least 10 vehicles believed to have been torched in the past 18 days.

The Met confirmed five car fires had occurred between December 24 and January 10, though neighbours in the area believe more are connected.

The confirmed car fires took place in Kerfield Crescent, Grove Lane, Daneville Road, Camberwell Grove and Jephson Street during that period.

A man has since been charged with four counts of arson.

Nerijus Butkys, 30, of Jephson Street, Camberwell, was charged on Wednesday and will appear in custody at Croydon Magistrates’ Court today.

The Met said the charges were for a series of car fires that took place in the Camberwell area between December 24, 2022 and Tuesday, though it did not say which car fires Butkys had been charged for.

Detective Constable Kieran Mulvaney, investigating, said: “We fully appreciate the impact that these fires have on the community, not only from a safety perspective, but also for the huge inconvenience caused to the owners.

“We are continuing to make local enquiries to establish if this is indeed a linked series and, if it is, to ensure that all of the relevant incidents are traced. 

“If you have any information and haven’t spoken to us yet please do get in touch.“

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 2490/10JAN.

Alternatively, information can be reported 100 per cent anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

(Picture: The Met)