CCTV images of two suspects wanted in connection with an arson attack on a Poundland store have been released.

Met Police issued photographs of two men they want to trace after a fire at the budget chain’s branch in Old Church Road, Chingford, on August 23.

The blaze, which broke out at just before 7pm that evening, had to be tackled by almost 100 firefighters and caused £2 million in damage.

Sanna Qureshi, who lives nearby, told the Guardian Series at the time she was asked to get what she could and leave her home as the flames took hold.

She said: “The smoke smell was horrific. When Grenfell went on we heard about the thickness and burning of the eyes.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Almost 100 firefighters were called to the blaze (pic: Paul Wood)

"This isn’t on that scale but I got a glimpse of what it was.

"It made my heart sink, getting a slight glimmer of what the people outside the tower felt."

Fire crews eventually brought the blaze under control by 2am the next morning.

By that time, the shop had been gutted, its roof collapsed and neighbouring stores were also damaged.

  • Anyone with information on the identity of the two men is asked to call DC Dewsbury of Waltham Forest CID on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.