A cloud of asbestos dust hung over an alley in Thornton Heath last week after arsonists set fire to a garage which contained the poisonous substance in its rooftop.

Fire-fighters from six crews donned chemical suits to protect themselves from the noxious fumes at the Lynton Road blaze last Thursday.

The alarm was raised just before 8.30am when the owner of the four by five metre garage spotted flames coming from the roof.