Thieves set light to QPR supporters' store

They got away with a haul of QPR merchandise before setting light to the back of the shop.

Firefighters from Hammmersmith and Acton arrived soon afterwards and saved most of the building from the flames, which damaged around a fifth of the store.

Forensics experts were today combing the scene for clues to the identity of the arsonists, and staff from QPR were on site to establish how much had been stolen and check on the welfare of neighbours living above.

Around 10 people living in the flats were evacuated but no-one was hurt.

Some residents claimed a fight had taken place between a group of men outside the Springbok pub next door at around 2am, shortly before the raid, but police had no record of an earlier incident.

A police spokeswoman said: "We understand that a number of items within the store had been stolen prior to a small fire discovered at the back of the premises. The fire is being treated as suspicious."

Traders returning to work this morning said burglars had repeatedly targeted the store and neighbouring businesses.

Dimitris Dracos, 55, of Ocean Billy's Fish and Chips, said: "Two weeks ago there was another burglary. The store had been filled with stuff for the first football match of the season, and they came and opened up a big hole at the back of the shop and took everything.

"I've owned my shop for the last nine years, and I've been burgled 26 times. They just get some pies and small change, because I don't leave much inside.

"It's a very rough area, which is why I don't open after 8pm. If everyone else is closed I'm scared to stay around."

One 76-year-old resident, who asked not to be named, said: "It's pointless all this - what sense does it make? We could all do without it."

Investigations are ongoing into the cause of the blaze and the extent of the theft.