Police release video showing man burning Union Jack causing thousands of pounds worth of damage

Scotland Yard have released CCTV footage of the incident in a bid to trace the suspected arsonist following a fire at Charing Cross.

Scotland Yard have released CCTV footage showing a man burning a Union Jack flag which caused a significant fire at Charing Cross.

Police responded to reports of arson at 9pm on 22 November 2015 in The Arches Shopping Centre in Westminster, close to Charing Cross Railway Station.

Westminster Police said the fire quickly spread causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

A nearby building's sprinkler system was set off by the smoke, causing damage to seven floors.

The video shows the suspect’s image clearly; and has been described by a police spokesperson as “a white man, aged in his twenties, of medium build and clean shaven.”

He wore an LA Raiders baseball cap, blue jeans, a grey hooded top and a black body warmer.

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