Man arrested after blaze at asylum hotel

A fire at the Thistle City Barbican Hotel is being treated as a hate crime by police

A 64-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a fire at a London hotel housing asylum seekers.

The blaze at the Thistle City Barbican in Dingley Road, Islington, is being treated as a hate crime by investigating officers and has been condemned as a "despicable and cowardly attack".

It happened at about 22:50 BST on Wednesday, according to the Metropolitan Police.

No-one was hurt and staff put out the flames before officers arrived.

The man was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and is in custody, the Met said.

The force added that it was an isolated incident and police were keeping an open mind about motive.

Islington Council leader, Una O'Halloran, and local Labour MP Dame Emily Thornberry said: "We utterly condemn this despicable and cowardly attack that has no place in our community or society."

'No place in Islington'

Their statement added: "Islington is a proud beacon of tolerance and diversity that welcomes people from all over the world."

Attempts to divide would fail, they said, adding that "this kind of violence can never be the answer".

"Anyone who seeks to incite hatred or violence has no place in Islington," they said.

Nine people were arrested last month after a protest and counter-protest took place outside the hotel

Police inquiries are ongoing.

Nine people were arrested after a protest and counter-protest took place outside the hotel in August.