Man arrested after suspicious fires across East London

ARE THEY arson attacks? And are they hate crimes? These are the questions being asked as police investigate a series of small fires which have taken place across East London in recent days.

•It began on Wednesday, 19th June, when police were called out to a church in Stratford Broadway. There was evidence that a fire had been lit just outside the church at some point overnight. It had damaged the church door.

•Just half an hour later police were called to a second fire outside a church – this one in Cann Hall Road, E11. Again, it was a small fire: the person who discovered it had managed to put it out by the time police arrived. As well as the fire, it seems that graffiti had been scratched onto the church door.

•That evening there came a third fire: this one outside a church in Ramsay Road, E7. The Fire Brigade attended, as well as the police – and graffiti was once more found on the church door.

•The fourth fire occurred just after midnight and, therefore, technically the following day. It was outside a church in Dyson Road, E15. Again, police and the London Fire Brigade attendance, and graffiti was found on the church door.

Police are investigating and trying to establish the full circumstances of what happened. They have now arrested a 27 year old man on suspicion of burglary, possession of a bladed article and causing arson and criminal damage. The suspect was taken to an East London police station, where he remains in custody.

•Anyone who saw the fires or saw anyone acting suspiciously at these times and locations is asked to contact the police via 101 and quote CAD/2459/19JUN. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111 and give information anonymously.

•Read more about it:
Who is the man who died in Ilford fire?
Staff foil armed robber at Bow newsagent