A 13-year old arsonist who caused £5,000 of damage when he torched a communal area in a block of flats has been given a referral order.

The teenager started the fire on the ninth floor of Chaucer House near Sutton town Centre on Thursday, October 24.

The blaze was so intense heat caused windows to shatter and ceiling lights to melt.

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The 13-year-old has been given a one year referral order, meaning he must report to police at regular intervals, and will pay a £15 victim surcharge after admitting  arson at Croydon Youth Court on Thursday, November 28.

Following the fire, police have increased patrols in the area and thanked members of the community who came forward with information.

Two other children who were arrested as part of the investigation have been released without charge.

The fire was on the ninth floor of Chaucer House


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