Police are on the hunt for an arsonist after a fire in a flat above a shop.

Surrey Fire and Rescue service were called out to the flat in Kingston Road, Leatherhead, shortly before midnight last Saturday but police believe the fire may have been started as early as 8pm that night.

The flat was badly damaged in the fire and it is being investigated as an arson attack.

The investigating officer, Detective Constable Dion O'Shea, said: "Thankfully the occupant was not at home and was not injured during this fire but this incident is very concerning to me.

"I am aware of suggestions the premises were recently used by police for operational reasons. I can confirm the address has not been used for this purpose by Surrey Police.

"However, we are keeping an open mind regarding the motive for this arson and I would urge anyone with any information to come forward."

The owner of the flat is Mel Swain who also owns Mel's sandwich shop below.

He says that he was first told about it on Sunday morning and spoke to the Advertiser about the extensive damage to the flat.

He said: "It is just all full of soot, the damage was more from the smoke than fire.

"Things like the mattress have gone and there has been a lot of damage to the sofas in the flat as well."

Speaking about the fact the fire was started deliberately he added: "It is a terrifying thing."

Detective Constable O'Shea added: "Deliberately starting a fire is an incredibly serious matter and something Surrey Police will not tolerate.

"We need to identify who is responsible in order to bring them to justice.

"I would urge anyone who believes they may have seen something, or knows who is behind this arson, to please give me a call."

It is not the first time this year that the area has seen an arson attack. The new Kingston Road football pavilion was destroyed in May in what is believed to have been a deliberate fire.

If you have any information on the arson attack you should contact Detective O'Shea at Epsom CID on 0845 125 2222 quoting crime reference number MV/09/5360.