AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): The Metropolitan Police in London announced that a 47-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an arson attack at the Islamic Centre of England in the Maida Vale area.
According to police, officers and London Fire Brigade crews were dispatched to the center at around 12:15 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, following reports of a fire. Initial findings indicate that two flammable objects were thrown into the grounds, sparking a blaze in a cabin and a parked vehicle. The suspect then fled the scene by car.
Police said the main building of the center was not damaged and no one was injured. The fires had already gone out by the time emergency services arrived.
An investigation was launched immediately, and less than 12 hours later, officers arrested a 47-year-old man on suspicion of “arson with intent to endanger life.” The suspect remains in custody.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said in a statement, “The Islamic Centre has previously been the site of protests and clashes between groups supporting and opposing the Iranian government. Given recent developments in Iran, tensions between these groups have increased, and we understand that this incident may cause further concern within the community.”
The spokesperson added, “We ask everyone to remain calm, allow police to carry out their investigation, and refrain from any actions that could escalate tensions or provoke further incidents.”
London police stressed that inquiries into the motive behind the attack are ongoing and that security measures around the Islamic Centre and surrounding areas have been strengthened.
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