Police investigate hate crime after arson at asylum hotel in London

Police are investigating a hate crime after a fire at the Thistle City Barbican hotel in central London that houses asylum seekers. The blaze occurred shortly after 10:50 p.m. on Wednesday in the hotel grounds, the Metropolitan Police said. No one was injured and staff had extinguished the flames before officers arrived.

The property was the site of a large anti-migrant protest on August 2, which saw demonstrators face off against anti-racism campaigners. Nine people were arrested after the protest and counter-protest outside the hotel in August.

Officers said the incident is being treated as a hate crime and they are working at pace to identify a suspect, while keeping an open mind as to any motive. Met Commander Hayley Sewart said the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information to come forward and speak to police.

Islington Council leader Una O'Halloran and local MP Dame Emily Thornberry issued a joint statement condemning the attack as despicable and cowardly. They stressed Islington's status as a borough of sanctuary and pledged continued support for residents fleeing war or persecution, adding that violence has no place in the community.

The 460-room Thistle City Barbican opened in November 2021 under an exclusive use contract with the Government. Public accounts show the deal has brought in more than £10 million a year for the hotel, which is part of the Clermont Hotel Group. A hotel spokesman previously said they could not comment on occupancies due to the private booking arrangement.

Extra support will be provided to the hotel’s residents, and additional patrols by council and police officers will be deployed in the area in the coming days, the statement said. Anyone with information that could help police should contact 101 quoting CAD 8549/24SEP.