A 64-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following a fire at a London hotel being used to house asylum seekers.

The blaze broke out shortly after 10.50pm on Wednesday in the grounds of the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington. According to the Metropolitan Police, staff at the hotel managed to extinguish the flames before officers arrived. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

Police confirmed the incident is being treated as a hate crime. The suspect was also arrested on suspicion of possessing a bladed article and remains in custody as inquiries continue.

Commander Hayley Sewart, leading the investigation, praised her team’s swift actions:

“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.”

The Met stressed that specialist officers are working closely with the community to provide reassurance while forensic teams and detectives build the case.

This is not the first time the hotel has been at the centre of tensions. In August, nine people were arrested after protests and counter-protests took place outside the same venue, which has been used by the Home Office to accommodate asylum seekers.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police have urged anyone with information about Saturday night’s fire to come forward.