SIX people have been released on police bail following the trashing of a police office in Thamesmead.

The six, aged 16, 17, 19, 23 and two men aged 27, were arrested on suspicion of arson after the office in Limestone Walk, was broken into and damaged by fire.

The former shop, which has residential flats above, was in the process of being refitted to accommodate the Thamesmead East Safer Neighbourhoods policing team.

Bexley police said the protective wooden boarding was wrenched free, windows smashed and a small fire started in the early hours of October 16.

A spokeswoman denied national press resports that state of the art equipment had been stolen.

She said there was nothing in the building when it was broken into.

She added: “Essentially, it was just a building site inside.”

It had been hoped the office would be ready for occupation by the beginning of December.

Despite the damage, estimated at around £50,000, police say they will still be able to move in before Christmas.

Anyone with information can call 020 8284 9131 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.