People have been urged to be on their guard after two “extremely dangerous” arson attacks.

No-one was injured in the incidents yesterday (November 23), but the Metropolitan Police is appealing for information and has warned the public to be vigilant.

Shortly before 6.50am someone living in Chewton Road, E17, was woken by their smoke alarm and found a roll of burning newspaper had been pushed through their letterbox.

The occupier managed to extinguish the fire themselves.

Later on yesterday, the police were told of a very similar incident at 6am in Cornwallis Road, E17.

At around 6am, someone had set alight to paper on a home’s utilities box.

The fire was then put out by a neighbour who had noticed it.

With the two attacks so close together, detectives are linking them and have asked anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact them.

Detective sergeant James Hardingham said: “On both occasions newspapers and magazines have been set alight and left in extremely dangerous locations, one being on a gas meter and another placed through a letterbox, both which could have had serious consequences.

“We are seeking witnesses to both these incidents and remind members of the public to remain vigilant and review their own fire security.”

No arrests have so far been made, and police are making enquiries to see if any further attacks are linked.

Anyone with information should contact the CID on 101, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.