Performers ‘devastated’ after home and possessions destroyed in blaze

A fundraising appeal has been set up to support a group of performers whose London home was destroyed by a fire.

Performer Chloe Arben, dancer Liam Hargrave and carpenter and music producer Grant Hargrave said almost all of their possessions were destroyed by the accidental fire at their flat near Old Street in London, leaving them with “pretty much nothing but the clothes on [their] backs”.

The group had been out on a bike ride when they returned to find their home on fire, which had been caused by sunlight refracted by a mirror in one of the bedrooms.

Arben told The Stage: “When I arrived at our front door the fire alarm was going off and Liam appeared with black lips and teeth from being inside the apartment.

“We realised it was coming from one of our bedroom windows so we called the emergency services and knocked on all of the neighbours doors to evacuate them. After hearing and feeling an explosion we left the flat to join everyone outside.”

Arben added: “The firefighters warned that in this hot weather, everyone should be mindful of leaving water bottles, mirrors or glass objects near direct sunlight so hopefully this story will help to make others aware and safe.”