Pic: Chris Vallance & Katie Langton

Lewisham police are investigating an arson attack on a house in Sydenham in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Police and firefighters rushed to Burghill Road after receiving reports of a fire at 3.30am.

The couple living in the house had been asleep upstairs when the fire started and were woken by the smell of smoke.

They went downstairs to find their front door ablaze and quickly left the house before calling emergency services.

No one was hurt but the front door was “significantly damaged,” according to the Metropolitan Police.

A spokesperson from London Fire Brigade said the fire was started deliberately as “an accelerant” had been put through the letterbox.

Two men were seen running away from Burghill Road toward Mayow Road ten minutes before the call to the fire brigade was made.

“We believe this was a completely unprovoked attack,” said Detective Constable Samantha Oram.

“We would like to speak to two suspects who were seen running from the location towards Mayow Road at 3.20 am. Both are males and of slim build.”

DC Oram asked for those with information to come forward and contact the investigating team on 101 quoting ref CAD 1942/01jan or provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.