Hackney house fire could be antisemitic attack, police say

Firefighters from Shoreditch, Stoke Newington and Bethnal Green attended the scene

Police are investigating whether a house fire in east London that destroyed two floors of a three-storey house was an antisemitic hate crime.

A man in his 60s, who was arrested near the scene in Hackney, had made threatening and "allegedly antisemitic" comments, the Met Police said.

Four people were injured but none are in a life-threatening condition.

Det Ch Supt James Conway said it would be "concerning news for our Jewish communities in Hackney and beyond".

The arrested man is suspected of arson with intent to endanger life, and also suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital.

London Fire Brigade said eight fire engines and about 60 firefighters tackled the blaze, which broke out on Wednesday lunchtime.

Det Ch Supt James Conway said: "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.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]