Late on Wednesday night, September 24, 2025, the quiet of Dingley Road in Islington, London, was shattered by the sound of emergency vehicles converging on the Thistle City Barbican Hotel. The hotel, which has become a temporary refuge for asylum seekers, was the scene of a fire that authorities are now treating as a hate crime—a development that has sent ripples of concern and outrage through the local community and beyond.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the blaze broke out just after 10:50pm. Quick-thinking hotel staff managed to extinguish the flames before the fire could spread or cause harm. Miraculously, no one was injured—a fact that has brought a sense of relief amid the shock. Yet, the circumstances surrounding the fire have raised pressing questions about the safety and acceptance of some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.
Within hours of the incident, police arrested a 64-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and possession of a bladed article. The suspect, whose identity has not been released, remains in custody as the investigation continues. As reported by BBC, officers are treating the fire as a hate crime but have emphasized that they are keeping an open mind about the motive. The Metropolitan Police described the incident as “isolated,” but the implications have reverberated widely.
Commander Hayley Sewart, who is leading the investigation, praised her team’s swift response. “I would like to thank my team for their quick and effective work in identifying the suspect and making this arrest,” she said, as quoted by Sky News and The Independent. “We understand the ongoing concern in the local community and our investigation is continuing at pace.” The police have urged anyone with information to come forward, underscoring the seriousness with which they are treating the case.
Community leaders responded with unequivocal condemnation. In a joint statement, Islington Council leader Una O’Halloran and local Labour MP Dame Emily Thornberry described the attack as a “despicable and cowardly attack that has no place in our community or society.” Their words, carried by BBC and The Independent, reflected the borough’s longstanding reputation for tolerance and diversity. “Islington is a proud beacon of tolerance and diversity that welcomes people from all over the world,” the statement continued. Attempts to divide the community would fail, they insisted, adding, “this kind of violence can never be the answer.”
The statement went further, emphasizing that “anyone who seeks to incite hatred or violence has no place in Islington.” For a borough that has long prided itself on being a sanctuary for those fleeing war and persecution, the attack struck a particularly raw nerve. O’Halloran and Thornberry assured residents that extra support would be provided to those staying at the hotel, and that additional patrols by council and police officers would be deployed in the area in the coming days.
The Metropolitan Police echoed these sentiments, noting that the investigation remains ongoing and that the incident continues to be treated as a hate crime. While police believe the fire was an isolated incident, they stressed that they are keeping an open mind regarding the suspect’s motive. “We recognise how concerning this incident will be for the local community,” Commander Sewart said, urging anyone with information to contact the authorities.
For many in Islington, the fire has brought back memories of recent tensions surrounding the hotel. In August, just weeks before the blaze, nine people were arrested following a protest and counter-protest outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel. The demonstrations highlighted the deep divisions and anxieties that sometimes flare up around the issue of asylum seekers and the use of hotels as temporary accommodation. As reported by BBC and Sky News, the arrests in August were a stark reminder of the challenges facing communities trying to balance compassion with concerns about public order.
The events of Wednesday night have reignited those debates, but they have also prompted a wave of solidarity. Local officials, community groups, and ordinary residents have spoken out in support of the asylum seekers housed at the hotel, reaffirming Islington’s commitment to being a place of sanctuary. “Islington is proud to be a borough of sanctuary and will always provide support for those fleeing war or persecution,” O’Halloran and Thornberry declared. Their message was clear: violence and hatred would not be allowed to take root in their community.
For the residents of the Thistle City Barbican Hotel, the fire was a terrifying ordeal. Many of those staying at the hotel have already endured unimaginable hardship in their journeys to the UK. The attack, while fortunately not resulting in injury, has nonetheless left its mark. Local authorities have promised extra support for these residents, recognizing the trauma and fear such incidents can cause.
The incident has also sparked broader conversations about the safety of asylum seekers in the UK. The use of hotels to house people waiting for their asylum claims to be processed has become increasingly common in recent years, especially as the country grapples with a backlog of cases. While this approach provides immediate shelter, it has also made some locations flashpoints for protest and, as seen in this case, potential violence.
As the investigation moves forward, the Metropolitan Police have reiterated their commitment to protecting all residents, regardless of background. “This is being treated as a hate crime and we are working at pace to locate the suspect,” Commander Sewart said before the arrest was made, according to The Independent. Now, with a suspect in custody, the focus shifts to understanding the full circumstances of the attack and ensuring that justice is served.
Meanwhile, the community of Islington is left to grapple with the aftermath. For many, the fire is a stark reminder of the challenges facing those who seek refuge in the UK—and of the resilience required to maintain a spirit of welcome and inclusion in the face of adversity. The swift response by hotel staff, the coordinated efforts of law enforcement, and the outpouring of support from local leaders all signal a determination not to let hate define the borough’s story.
As police inquiries continue and support is ramped up for those affected, Islington stands at a crossroads. The events of September 24 have tested the community’s values, but they have also brought those values into sharper focus. For now, the message from local leaders and residents alike is clear: there is no place for hatred or violence in Islington, and the borough will continue to stand as a beacon of tolerance and sanctuary for all who call it home.
