Shortly after 10:50 PM on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, a fire broke out in the grounds of the Thistle City Barbican Hotel on Dingley Road in Islington, central London. The hotel, which currently houses asylum seekers, became the site of what authorities are calling a “despicable and cowardly attack.” The Metropolitan Police responded to the scene after staff at the hotel managed to extinguish the blaze before emergency services arrived. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident has sent ripples of concern through the local community and reignited debates about safety, tolerance, and the treatment of asylum seekers in the UK.
On Friday, September 26, police arrested a 64-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and possession of a bladed article. According to statements from the Metropolitan Police, the suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues. Officers have confirmed that the incident is being treated as a hate crime, though they maintain an open mind regarding the precise motive behind the attack.
Commander Hayley Sewart, who is leading the investigation for the Metropolitan Police, expressed her gratitude to her team for their swift action. “I would like to thank my team for their quick and effective work in identifying the suspect and making this arrest. We understand the ongoing concern in the local community and our investigation is continuing at pace,” she said, as reported by the Evening Standard and MyLondon. Commander Sewart also urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the police, quoting CAD 8549/24SEP.
The Thistle City Barbican Hotel has been at the center of heightened tensions in recent months. In August 2025, nine people were arrested following a protest and counter-protest outside the hotel. The demonstration was reportedly linked to the hotel’s role as accommodation for asylum seekers, a topic that has increasingly polarized communities across the country. These events have placed the hotel under a spotlight, raising questions about the safety of its residents and the broader societal climate surrounding immigration and asylum policy.
In response to the fire, Islington Council leader Una O’Halloran and local Member of Parliament Dame Emily Thornberry issued a strongly worded joint statement on Friday. “We utterly condemn this despicable and cowardly attack that has no place in our community or society. Islington is a proud beacon of tolerance and diversity that welcomes people from all over the world. Anyone who seeks to divide us will fail. This kind of violence can never be the answer,” they declared, as quoted by LBC and MyLondon. They continued, “While we are relieved that nobody was hurt in this incident, we are aware that it could have been even more serious. Islington is proud to be a borough of sanctuary and will always provide support for those fleeing war or persecution. Anyone who seeks to incite hatred or violence has no place in Islington.”
Authorities have promised additional support for the hotel’s residents in the aftermath of the fire. Extra patrols by both council and police officers are being deployed in the area over the coming days, aiming to reassure those living in and around the hotel and to deter further incidents. The council emphasized its commitment to supporting vulnerable residents and maintaining Islington’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive community.
The Metropolitan Police have reiterated their commitment to investigating the incident thoroughly. While the fire was extinguished quickly and did not result in injuries, the force has made clear that any act of violence or intimidation directed at vulnerable groups will be treated with the utmost seriousness. “We recognize how concerning this incident will be for the local community. This is being treated as a hate crime and we are working at pace to locate the suspect,” said Commander Sewart, as reported by LBC. She added, “The investigation is ongoing and we urge anyone with information to come forward and speak to police.”
The events at the Thistle City Barbican Hotel are part of a broader national conversation about the treatment of asylum seekers and the rise in hate crimes targeting minority communities. The UK has seen a marked increase in anti-immigrant sentiment in some quarters, often stoked by misinformation and political rhetoric. However, local authorities in Islington have made it clear that they stand firmly against such divisive attitudes. The council’s joint statement emphasized that “anyone who seeks to incite hatred or violence has no place in Islington,” reinforcing the borough’s long-standing tradition of providing sanctuary to those fleeing conflict and persecution.
Community leaders and advocacy groups have also weighed in, calling for vigilance and unity in the face of hate-fueled violence. The swift response by hotel staff, who managed to contain the fire before it could cause harm, has been praised as an example of calm and effective action under pressure. Their actions, combined with the rapid identification and arrest of a suspect by police, have helped to prevent what could have been a far more serious tragedy.
Despite the relief that no one was injured, the incident has left many residents shaken. The promise of increased police and council patrols offers some reassurance, but questions remain about the underlying causes of such attacks and the steps needed to prevent them in the future. For many in Islington and beyond, the fire serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing asylum seekers and the communities that host them.
As investigations continue, authorities are urging anyone with information about the fire or related incidents to come forward. The police have provided a dedicated contact number (101, quoting CAD 8549/24SEP) for tips and information, underscoring the importance of community cooperation in ensuring safety and justice.
The events of September 24, 2025, have brought issues of tolerance, security, and community solidarity to the forefront in Islington. While the immediate danger has passed, the conversation about how best to protect and support vulnerable populations in an era of heightened tension is far from over. For now, the swift response by hotel staff, police, and local leaders has demonstrated the resilience of a community determined not to be divided by hate.
