Man jailed for petrol bomb attack on Islington migrant hotel

Mark Neville, 65, has been convicted of petrol-bombing a migrant hotel in Islington. The attack occurred on September 24, 2025, at a hotel on Dingley Road. CCTV footage showed Neville lighting a petrol bomb in a doorway before throwing it over the hotel's gate. Security guards at the premises were able to extinguish the fire, and no one sustained injuries as a result of the incident.

An investigation by the Metropolitan Police used CCTV to trace Neville from the scene to his flat. Hundreds of hours of footage were reviewed to identify the suspect. The community's assistance, along with a forensic fire dog named Simba, helped locate a glove near the hotel containing Neville's DNA. Fragments from the petrol bomb were also linked to his DNA. Neville was arrested two days after the attack.

Guilty plea at Snaresbrook Crown Court

Neville initially denied involvement, claiming he was visiting a friend. However, after being presented with further evidence, he admitted to being the person in the footage. Internet searches conducted at Neville's flat indicated a potential motivation linked to far-right activism and anti-immigration sentiments. He told police that friends shared articles about immigration and that he had attended related marches, including one outside the targeted hotel. Neville pleaded guilty to attempted arson being reckless as to endanger life, possession of a bladed article, and possession of a prohibited weapon (stun gun) in a private place. He was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court on October 28.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley stated that Neville's actions were intended to terrify residents and the community, and could have caused severe injuries. He added that officers worked to identify and apprehend Neville, gathering substantial evidence. The hotel previously used to house migrants is no longer in operation for that purpose.