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Welling home of The Smithy family who found fame on TikTok targeted in suspected arson attack
15:49, 15 July 2021
updated: 20:06, 15 July 2021
A family who found fame on TikTok have claimed their badly fire-damaged home has been targeted in a suspected arson attack.
Videos circulating online show the aftermath of a fire near Welling, where the burned out remains of a car, mobility scooters and a skip are on the driveway.
Content shared by the occupants, The Smithy family, is regularly watched by their 2.6 million followers on video sharing app, TikTok.
But in the early hours of today dad, Nick Smith, took to the social media platform to share the devastating news.
He said: "We all got out the house Ok, the kids are fine... the dogs are Ok. The house is not OK. The kids are at a safe place.
"To the people who have done this, you could have killed our family and not only our family, my neighbours, my friends. It's unforgivable."
Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to the blaze shortly before 11pm.
Crews worked to limit damage inside but the soffits and guttering of the semi-detached home were destroyed and part of the front and hallway were also damaged. There were no reports of any injuries.
The London Fire Brigade fielded more than 10 calls and believes the flames spread to the house from a burning car on the driveway.
Sub Officer Tim Sammons said: “We were called to reports of a car alight that had spread up the outside of the house.
“There were a number of mobility scooters parked outside which had caught alight and were producing a large amount of smoke and flames.
“Everyone was out of the building before we arrived and crews worked incredibly hard to prevent further damage to the inside of the property and to neighbouring properties.
“Our fire investigation dogs also attended to help identify any ignitable substances present.”
The fire was officially declared under control by 12.30am.
Meanwhile, dad-of-three Nick, who left his job as a builder following the family's meteoric rise to fame on TikTok, shared further updates at the scene.
In one online post, taken from his car where he says he slept overnight, he shared his usual "good morning" message to followers.
"I've got an hour and a half kip outside the house," he said.
"I can't not do it, it just ain't in me not to do it but good morning beautiful people, I hope you have a good day."
In a further emotional post taken inside the property he shared views of the smoke damage in his daughter's bedroom.
He added: "I don't think you realise the consequences of what you've done."
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Brigade and the Met Police.
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