The morning case file
London Crime Briefing
Significant incidents, hearings, outcomes and public-data changes across the capital.
Topic
arson
18 stories, newest first.
Courts · City of LondonMan Admits Petrol Bomb Attack on Maida Vale Islamic Centre
Iman Zand has admitted to throwing two petrol bombs into the grounds of the Islamic Centre of England in Maida Vale. The attack on February 3 caused fire damage to a cabin within the site. Zand pleaded guilty at Wood Green Crown Court and awaits sentencing.
City of London3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 61 · Hype 41
LatestBrenda Raymond, 80, set alight outside Watford flat
An 80-year-old woman, Brenda Raymond, is in critical condition after being set on fire outside her flat in Watford on Monday afternoon. Detectives are investigating the appalling attack and have appealed for public assistance.
2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 58 · Hype 41- Crime Data · London
London arson and criminal damage offences fall 3.7%
Arson and criminal damage offences across London saw a 3.7 per cent decrease over the 12 months ending September 2026. In September 2026 alone, 4,324 such offences were recorded, with Newham reporting the highest number and Westminster the highest rate per capita.
London3 min readTrust 74 · Craft 72 · Hype 25 - Courts · Islington
Man jailed for Starmer arson attacks deported from UK
Stanislav Carpiuc, 28, has been deported from the UK after being jailed for his role in arson attacks targeting property linked to Sir Keir Starmer. The attacks, which involved a car and two houses in May 2025, were ordered on behalf of Russia, the BBC revealed.
Islington3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 65 · Hype 45 
Courts · BarnetGolders Green memorial fire: Man pleads guilty to arson
Ali Fallahi has pleaded guilty to arson after setting fire to a photograph near a memorial wall in Golders Green. The court heard he blamed an exiled Iranian figure for his cousin's death, though a judge found no wider political or hate motivation.
Barnet3 min readTrust 48 · Craft 67 · Hype 45- Violent Crime · Westminster
Manhunt launched after Maida Hill house fire
Police are appealing for the public's help to find a man wanted in connection with a house fire on Lydford Road in Maida Hill. A man was inside the property at the time but was not injured.
Westminster2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 63 · Hype 41 - Violent Crime · Westminster
Westminster man escapes home fire started deliberately
A fire was deliberately started at a home in Maida Hill on Saturday, July 18, while a man was inside. He escaped uninjured. Detectives are seeking a man captured on CCTV.
Westminster3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 55 · Hype 65 
Courts · NewhamWagner Group arsonist ordered to pay £164,000 to Ukraine aid victims
Dylan Earl, who was jailed for his role in a Wagner Group arson attack on a warehouse storing aid for Ukraine, has been ordered to pay more than £164,000 to victims. The fire in Leyton caused significant damage to businesses.
Newham3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 71 · Hype 41
Courts · RedbridgeTwo teenagers convicted over Gants Hill restaurant arson
Two 17-year-old boys have been convicted of arson with intent to endanger life after a "professionally planned" attack on the Indian Aroma restaurant in Gants Hill. Masked assailants doused customers in petrol before setting the room alight, causing severe, life-changing injuries.
Redbridge3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 60 · Hype 45
Courts · HackneyHackney man admits park arson
Isaac Shozi, 50, of Bodney Road, Hackney, has admitted to setting multiple fires in London Fields. The incidents occurred on August 15, the day after a national wildfire risk alert was issued. Shozi denied a more serious charge related to endangering life.
Hackney2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 65 · Hype 20
LatestMan arrested after fire at Tilbury's Worlds End pub
A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a significant fire at The Worlds End pub in Tilbury. Firefighters brought the blaze under control on Wednesday evening. Multiple fires have been reported near the site since Saturday.
2 min readTrust 30 · Craft 57 · Hype 41
Violent Crime · LewishamLewisham man faces attempted murder charges after house fire
A 58-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder and arson following a fire at a house in Ladywell. Perry Martin is also facing weapons and restraining order breach charges.
Lewisham2 min readTrust 30 · Craft 50 · Hype 45- Latest
Milo Creese found not guilty by reason of insanity
Milo Creese, 40, has been found not guilty by reason of insanity for a three-week crime spree. The offences included arson at an Indian restaurant and targeting 5G masts, motivated by extreme right-wing ideology and delusional beliefs.
4 min readTrust 60 · Craft 75 · Hype 45 
Courts · BarnetFour admit arson attack on Jewish ambulances in Golders Green
Four men have pleaded guilty to destroying four Jewish community ambulances in an arson attack in Golders Green, north London. The incident caused an estimated £1 million in damage, and prosecutors believe it was targeted at the Jewish community. Sentencing is scheduled for spring 2027.
Barnet3 min readTrust 78 · Craft 79 · Hype 20
Courts · HounslowTwo men charged with murder over fatal Hounslow flat fire
Two men have appeared at the Old Bailey charged with murder and arson following a fire at a Hounslow block of flats on August 19. Anna Kowalska, 50, died in the blaze, and eight other residents were injured.
Hounslow3 min readTrust 40 · Craft 60 · Hype 45
Courts · BarnetGolders Green memorial wall arsonist admits guilt
Ali Fallahi, 46, from Ilford has admitted to an arson attack at a memorial wall in Golders Green. The fire occurred on April 27 at a memorial cabinet on Limes Avenue, established by the Miga Rally community group. Sentencing is scheduled for October 16 at Harrow Crown Court.
Barnet3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 71 · Hype 20
Courts · BrentThree admit arson at Park Royal media offices
Three individuals have admitted involvement in an arson attack at Volant Media offices in Park Royal, north-west London. An ignited container was thrown at the site on 15 April, though no one was injured.
Brent2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 65 · Hype 25- Violent Crime · Hackney
Isaac Shozi charged with arson after ten fires set in London Fields
Isaac Shozi of Bodney Road, Hackney, has been charged with arson after police and fire crews responded to around ten small fires in London Fields early on Saturday. No injuries were reported, but officers warned of the risks of fires spreading quickly in dry conditions.
Hackney4 min readTrust 56 · Craft 80 · Hype 18