The Metropolitan Police is investigating a house fire in east London as a possible anti-semitic hate crime after a man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of starting the blaze. The fire, which gutted a house in Hackney and injured four people, prompted the suspect to make allegedly antisemitic comments during his arrest.
The man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, as well as for the antisemitic comments he made. The incident left four people with non-life-threatening injuries, while the suspect himself sustained minor injuries and is currently being treated in hospital.
London Fire Brigade deployed eight fire engines and approximately 60 firefighters to tackle the blaze, which destroyed the ground and first floors of the three-storey house. Detective chief superintendent James Conway stated that while the initial motivation for the offense appeared to be a “localised housing-related issue,” the nature of the suspect’s comments warranted further investigation.
Conway emphasized the seriousness with which instances of antisemitism are taken, especially in light of the potential hate crime aspect of the incident. The Metropolitan Police has increased patrols and police visibility in Jewish communities as they begin celebrations for the Purim holiday period.
Community Security Trust expressed appreciation for the swift action taken by the police and pledged to work with law enforcement to provide reassurance to the local Jewish community in the aftermath of the incident.