Suspected London arson investigated as possible anti-Semitic hate crime
A suspected arson in east London is being investigated as a possible anti-Semitic hate crime, police have said.
The Metropolitan Police said a man in his 60s who was arrested near the scene made threatening and “allegedly anti-Semitic” comments when detained. It is believed the fire was started deliberately, officers said.
The force responded to reports of a fire at an address in Newick Road, Hackney, at about 12.45pm on Wednesday.
A man in his 60s who suffered minor injuries from the fire was arrested shortly afterwards on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, the Met said. He is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Four other people were also injured, but none of them are in a life-threatening condition.
The London Fire Brigade said eight fire engines and about 60 firefighters tackled the blaze, which destroyed the ground and first floors of the three-storey house.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway said: “On his arrest, the man made a number of threatening comments, some of which were allegedly anti-Semitic. We take instances of anti-Semitism extremely seriously, and for this reason we’re investigating the incident as a potential hate crime.
“Undoubtedly this will be extremely concerning news for our Jewish communities in Hackney and beyond, and I and my officers will be engaging with partners including the Community Safety Trust and the Shomrim to answer their questions and listen to their views.
“Whilst the investigation will continue to explore the motivation for this offence, we believe at this stage that this was centred on a localised housing-related issue. We have no indication, at this very early stage, that the motivation was connected with any specific local or global events.”
Det Ch Supt Conway said the Met had a robust policing plan in place, including increased patrols and enhanced police visibility, as Jewish communities begin celebrations for the Purim holiday period.
It comes after Israel’s diaspora minister claimed on Wednesday that London is the most anti-Semitic place in the West.
Amichai Chikli, a hardliner who is also in charge of anti-Semitism affairs, said a mix of far-Left “wokeism” and Islamist extremism meant the capital city was no longer safe for Jews.
In February, Community Security Trust (CST) data found that anti-Semitism hit an all-time high last year in an “explosion of hatred” against the Jewish community following the Oct 7 Hamas terror attacks on Israel and the military response in Gaza.
