Man convicted after petrol bomb attack on migrant hotel in Islington
65 year old Mark Neville was found guilty of attempted arson being reckless as to endanger life.
A man has been convicted of a petrol bomb attack on a hotel housing migrants in Islington.
Mark Neville, 65, pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 28th October following a Metropolitan Police investigation that used CCTV footage to track him from the scene to his flat.
The fire occurred at the hotel on Dingley Road, Islington, on 24th September 2025 at around 22:53hrs.
Security guards were able to extinguish the flames quickly, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Caught on CCTV
CCTV showed a masked man, dressed in black, throwing a petrol bomb over a gate toward the hotel entrance.
Over the next day, officers tracked Neville on CCTV and received assistance from the local community, identifying him with forensic evidence, including a glove with his DNA.
Neville was arrested on 26th September 2025, with searches of his flat revealing online activity related to hate-driven motivations and far-right activism.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley led the fast-paced investigation, saying Neville's attack was intended to frighten residents.
He emphasised the team's diligence in identifying, tracking, and arresting Neville.
Ridley said, "We remain resolute in our determination to protect Londoners and relentlessly pursue those who seek to cause fear and harm, bringing serious offenders to justice."
Neville was found guilty of attempted arson being reckless as to endanger life, possession of a bladed article, and possession of a prohibited weapon, a stun gun.