A man has been arrested after a suspected arson attack on a house in east London that injured four people was a possible hate crime, police said.
A man in his 60s “made a number of threatening remarks, some of which were allegedly anti-Semitic” when he was arrested near the scene. Metropolitan Police explain.
Police were called to reports of a fire at an address in Newick Road, Hackney, at around 1pm on Wednesday.
London Fire brigade and London Ambulance Service crews also attended.
Shortly afterwards, a man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of setting the fire with intent to endanger life nearby.
The fire is believed to have been set deliberately, police said.
Three of the injured lived at nearby addresses and the fourth was a passer-by.
Police said none of their injuries were life-threatening. The suspect suffered minor injuries in the fire.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, who oversees Hackney policing, said: “Since his arrest the man made a number of threatening comments, some of which are alleged to be anti-Semitic.
“We take incidents of anti-Semitism very seriously and are therefore investigating this incident as a potential hate crime.
“There is no doubt that this is extremely worrying news for the Jewish community in Hackney and beyond, and my officers and I will be working with partners, including the Community Safety Trust and Shomrim, to answer them questions and listen to their opinions.
“While the investigation will continue to explore the motive for this crime, we believe at this stage it is focused on localized issues related to housing. At this very early stage we have no indication that the motive is linked to any specific behaviour.” Local or global events.
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“I know our Jewish community is about to begin its Purim celebrations and we have a robust policing plan in place, including increased patrols and increased police visibility, to ensure people can enjoy the celebrations safely and securely.”
The arrested man suffered minor injuries in the fire and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
Further investigation is ongoing.
Police said there was currently no indication that the incident was related to terrorism.
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