Police in London have released CCTV footage of a suspected arson in a Westminster shopping centre. Thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused to The Arches Shopping Centre on 22 November 2015, after a man was seen setting fire to a Union flag hung from a closed market stall at around 9pm.

The blaze quickly spread, setting off the sprinklers throughout the Villiers Street centre – which is part of Charing Cross railway station – and causing water damage across seven floors. Westminster Borough detectives are now investigating the incident, and are appealing for information about the main suspect.

He is described as white, in his 20s, of medium build and clean-shaved. The footage shows him wearing an LA Raiders baseball cap, blue jeans, a grey hoodie and a black body warmer.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 196481 Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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