A derelict period property in Beckenham Place Park was significantly damaged after fire broke out for the second time in a week.

Around 40 firefighters were called to the “intense” blaze at North Dene which spread smoke to miles around yesterday evening.

Just a week before (May 27), firefighters were called to the same property after mattresses on the first floor were set alight.

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Yesterday’s incident saw the roof of the three-storey building destroyed and half of the first and ground floors damaged.

There were no reports of injuries in either incident.

Station Commander Shaun Coltress said: "This was a very intense blaze that was very visible and spread smoke to miles around.

“We asked residents to keep their doors and windows closed while we tackled the fire. Thankfully no one was injured."

The cause of the latest fire is under investigation.

Police have already launched an investigation into last week's incident. 

Beckenham Sub Officer Sophie Willcocks, who responded to the incident on May 27, said: "Crews initially tackled the blaze from the outside and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were then committed to fight the fire internally.

"There were some mattresses alight in a room on the first floor and crews worked quickly to limit the damage and stop the blaze spreading from the room of origin."

North Dene, which lies within the Beckenham Place Park conservation area, has been empty for around a decade.

Multiple planning application to develop the property, which dates back to at least the 1930s, have been refused.