A boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a flat fire above a parade of shops. 

Four engines and 21 firefighters from Chingford, Woodford and Enfield were called to Station Road, Chingford, on February 5 at around 8.15pm. 

A father and son had escaped the blaze, which completely destroyed half of the second floor flat, before firefighters arrived. 

No-one was injured in the fire which was said to have been started 'accidentally', according to station manager Paul Hobbs. 

But police have confirmed an 11-year-old boy was arrested at the scene and has since been released on bail to a date in March pending further enquiries. 

The fire was under control by 9.15pm. 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Fire engines at the scene on Station Road on Thursday night