FIREFIGHTERS were called to Orpington on Friday night (April 9) to deal with a serious blaze at a barbers shop.

Four fire engines from Sidcup and Orpington stations were called to Blades the Barbers in Orpington High Street at 9pm following reports of flames and smoke above the shop.

Bromley police also attended the scene and closed the road between Perry Hall Road and Court Road.

The road was reopened at 4am on Saturday morning (April 10).

A police spokesman said the barbers sustained “extensive damage” during the fire.

Police arrested a 35-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman at the scene on suspicion of arson.

Unemployed Denise Cooley, of High Street, Orpington, has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life.

The 46-year-old is due to appear at Bromley Magistrates' Court today (April 12).

Police say the 35-year-old man has been released without charge.