In an extraordinary call to community action, neighbours of an estate agency banged and shouted out a smash and grab attempt.

They stood on balconies and joined in a football-style chant as a gang broke into the estate agency premises in Finsbury, London.

The gang, thought to be breaking in to grab a new computer, bashed through the plate-glass window of Anton Page estate agents.

Police are continuing to investigate.

In another case, neighbours called fire and rescue services to the Lettings Company in Fulham.

A supposedly fireproof sofa had burst into flames early on Sunday morning.

Clyde Johnson, from the Lettings Company, said the fire could have been caused by a laser printer, magnifying glass, or “the sun shining in oddly”.