Police have released an image of a man wearing a “Space Raiders” cap who they want to speak to over an arson attack in Stoke Newington last week.

Two people had to be rescued by firefighters from a burning block in Clissold Crescent on Wednesday morning, while five others managed to escape before crews arrived.

Four engines and 21 firefighters were sent to the scene and the ground floor of the four-storey house was damaged in the blaze, which began at about 8am and was brought under control within an hour.

A London Fire Brigade investigation found it was started deliberately in the basement of the shared house. There were no reported injuries.

The man pictured was seen on CCTV footage outside the property, before heading towards Clissold Park.

He is mixed race and 35 to 40. He was wearing a black coat with a brown fur hood and black bottoms, with black trainers, a red scarf and a black cap with a purple and white peak and “Space Raiders” written on.

He is believed to have ridden off on a white B-twin mountain bike.

Det Cons Dean Barnett said: “We believe this to be a targeted incident and it is lucky that none of the ten people inside the property – a number of whom were asleep at the time – were injured.

“We urge anyone with any information which could help progress this investigation to get in touch.”

Neighbour Amy Lockwood, 26, said police had closed the road and paramedics were seen treating someone wrapped in a blanket on a stretcher. There were around five emergency vehicles parked on the road.

She said: “It was quite a shock to come out to fire engines, police cars and ambulances on what’s usually a quiet street. ”

Anyone with any information can call police on 101, quoting CAD 1517/June 20, 2018. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.