Police have told Sky News they are treating a large fire at ex-JLS star Oritse Williams's house as suspected arson.

The property was badly damaged in the blaze, which happened just days after he was acquitted of raping a fan.

Mr Williams, 32, was cleared on 28 May by a jury of attacking the woman in a hotel room following a solo concert in December 2016. He said they had consensual sex.

Image: Oritse Williams was cleared last month of raping a fan

His home in Croydon, now derelict after the singer abandoned it, went up in flames on Tuesday afternoon.

Photos show damage to the roof, and a derelict garden, with an empty pool.


A London Fire Brigade statement read: "Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called to a fire at a derelict property on Spout Hill in Croydon.

"Part of the first and second floor of a detached three-storey building were damaged by fire. A small part of the roof was also damaged.

Image: The fire brigade said part of the first and second floor were destroyed

Image: The roof was badly damaged by the blaze

"The Brigade was called at 4.27pm and the fire was under control by 6.58pm. Fire crews from Addington, Croydon, Biggin Hill, Purley and surrounding fire stations were at the scene."

The Croydon home previously belonged to Ronnie Corbett, who lived there for 33 years.

Image: Images from the back show the state of the derelict home

It is not clear how long it is since Mr Williams left the property, but pictures in The Sun in November last year showed broken windows at the house, as well as a green pool and discarded furniture.