London: Police are treating a fire that badly damaged an Islamic community centre as suspicious amid continuing fears of reprisals following the Woolwich murder. Scotland Yard said: “The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and is being treated as suspicious at this stage.”
Six fire engines and about 35 firefighters were sent to put out the blaze in a building in Muswell Hill, north London, early yesterday. The building houses the Al Rahma Islamic Centre and the Bravanese Centre used by members of the local residents with links to Somalia. It took more than an hour to bring the fire under control. Two neighbouring properties were evacuated.
London fire brigade said the entire building was damaged, and there had been a “partial structural collapse”. A woman from a neighbouring property was treated for shock at the scene by ambulance crews.
One report suggested fire crews had seen the letters EDL scrawled on the side of the building. EDL may stand for English Defence League, a far-right group. The building was cordoned off as specialist police teams investigated. There have been no arrests. Chief Superintendent Adrian Usher said.
“I have spoken to community leaders and assured them that a thorough investigation is being conducted. “The safety of our communities is always our priority and we are consulting widely, offering our support and reassurance. All communities can be confident that they have our support and I can be contacted personally to answer their concerns.”
One witness, who wanted only to be known as Nurein, told the London Evening Standard: “I was woken up by loud noises and then soon I could smell the fire. I went outside and it was really bad. There were huge flames and lots of smoke. There were several fire engines and I think even a helicopter. It was terrible. This will really shake the community up.”
guardian news
