Man Admits Petrol Bomb Attack on Maida Vale Islamic Centre

Iman Zand admitted to throwing two petrol bombs into the grounds of the Islamic Centre of England in Maida Vale. The attack, which occurred on February 3 this year, resulted in fire damage to a cabin within the centre's property. Zand pleaded guilty to possession of an explosive with intent to injure property at Wood Green Crown Court.

The 47-year-old British national, born in Iran, targeted the centre believing it had links to the Iranian government. He approached the site and threw two bottles containing accelerant over the wall before leaving in a car. The main building of the centre was not damaged, and no one was injured, according to police reports.

Investigation and Plea

Following the incident, police launched an investigation, treating the attack as a hate crime. CCTV footage captured a man arriving in a car, approaching the gates, and throwing the bottles before departing. Officers stopped a vehicle near Zand's home in Edgware, leading to his arrest on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. Zand offered no comment during police interviews.

At court, Zand accepted responsibility for the attack, stating he was experiencing mental health difficulties at the time. He entered his guilty plea to causing an explosion likely to endanger life or injure property on November 11. His subsequent guilty plea to possession of an explosive with intent to injure property was entered on November 13 at Wood Green Crown Court.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley, who led the investigation, described the attack as premeditated and deeply disturbing. He noted that Zand was armed with petrol bombs and carried out the targeted attack under the cover of darkness, which could have resulted in significant loss of life. DCI Ridley also commended the rapid response of officers and the support from the Maida Vale community during the investigation.

Sentencing and Next Steps

Iman Zand is currently in custody and is due to be sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court at a later date. The specific date for the sentencing hearing has not yet been announced.