An investigation is underway after a fire tore through a home, injuring four people in a possible act of anti-Semitism.
A three storey house in Hackney, east London, was ablaze on Wednesday with the emergency services rushing to the scene at about midday.
Horrific video footage shows flames filling a ground floor room of the house and black smoke billowing from the windows.
Four people were injured in the fire, with a fifth, a man in his 60s, also suffering injuries. He was later arrested.
Scotland Yard today (March 21) confirmed the man was detained at the scene in Newick Road.
He is alleged to have been threatening and to have made anti-Semitic comments.
Det Ch Supt James Conway said: “On his arrest, the man made a number of threatening comments, some of which were allegedly antisemitic.
“We take instances of antisemitism extremely seriously and for this reason, we’re investigating the incident as a potential hate crime.
“Undoubtedly this will be extremely concerning news for our Jewish communities in Hackney and beyond, and I and my officers will be engaging with partners including the Community Safety Trust and the Shomrim to answer their questions and listen to their views.”
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