Two Roehampton police officers have been praised for their bravery and swift action after confronting a fire on Roehampton Lane late on Wednesday night — managing not only to help bring the flames under control but also arrest one of three suspects believed to have started it.
PCs Roberta Gavin and James Quail of the Roehampton Safer Neighbourhoods Team were first on the scene, where they encountered a “raging fire” in progress. Working alongside the London Fire Brigade, the officers acted decisively to prevent the blaze from spreading further and apprehended one suspect at the scene.
In a statement released Thursday evening via the team’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, police said:
“Thanks to officers’ quick thinking, the fire was soon under control with the assistance of the fire brigade and minimal damage was caused.”
The incident occurred along Roehampton Lane, a busy road lined with both residential properties and university buildings. While police have not yet confirmed the exact location or nature of the fire, they have launched a full investigation and are reviewing CCTV and speaking with residents to identify the remaining two suspects.
Acting Inspector Stephen Burke leads the local team, which also includes PS Mat Knowles, PCs Christopher Mageean and Roberta Gavin, and PCSO Denise Russell. The officers have recently stepped up visible patrols in the area following a rise in anti-social behaviour and violent incidents.
According to Metropolitan Police data, Roehampton reported 61 incidents of anti-social behaviour and 51 violent or sexual offences in March 2025 alone — among the highest figures in the Wandsworth borough.
Police are urging witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
“If you saw anything suspicious or have CCTV or doorbell footage from around Roehampton Lane last night, please contact us via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously,” said a spokesperson.
Updates on the investigation are expected in the coming days.
