Man admits firebombing London hotel housing asylum seekers
Mark Neville, 65, admitted throwing a homemade petrol bomb at a London hotel housing asylum seekers. The device exploded near bins and was quickly extinguished by security guards; police said the attack was motivated by hatred and anger towards immigration and could have caused serious injuries.
The attack took place at the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington on 25 September last year, when it was believed to be housing up to 500 asylum seekers. CCTV, residents’ help, DNA on glass fragments and a glove found with help from a specialist police dog linked Neville to the incident. He also admitted possessing a lock knife and a prohibited stun gun, and was remanded in custody pending sentencing.
In short
- Mark Neville admitted throwing a petrol bomb at an Islington hotel.
- The device was quickly put out near some bins.
- He also admitted possessing a knife and prohibited weapon.
Explained simply
Asylum seekers are people who have asked the UK for protection because they fear persecution or serious harm in their home country. While their claims are considered, some are housed in hotels arranged by the government.
The incident took place at a hotel in Islington that was being used to accommodate asylum seekers. Police said the attack was motivated by hostility towards immigration; security guards put out the fire, and investigators used CCTV, forensic evidence and information from residents to identify the man. The case matters because an attack on accommodation can put residents and staff at risk and has led to criminal proceedings.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Moment anti-migrant protester hurls petrol bomb at hotel housing up to 500 asylum seekers”.