A man has pleaded guilty to petrol-bombing a hotel housing migrants in Islington.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court, Mark Neville pleaded guilty to attempted arson being reckless as to endanger life; possession of a bladed article; and possession of a prohibited weapon (a stun gun) in a private place.

Officers were called to reports of a fire in Dingley Road, Islington at 22:53hrs on Wednesday, 24 September 2025.

Security guards extinguished the fire and no-one was injured.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police secured CCTV which showed a masked man, dressed all in black, lighting a petrol bomb and throwing it over a gate and towards the hotel entrance. Officers tracked the man on CCTV from the scene of the crime to the door of his flat. He was identified with the help of the local community and a forensic fire dog, who found a glove with his DNA in a bin close to the hotel.

Neville was arrested two days after the attack.

Searches of his flat discovered that he was likely motivated by hate and specifically anger at immigration. His internet searches included far right activism and asylum seekers.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley, whose team led the investigation, said: “Neville fire-bombed a hotel in an attack that was designed to terrify residents and the local community. His actions could easily have caused horrific injuries.

"Officers immediately moved to identify him, track him down and arrest him, examining hundreds of hours of CCTV and gathering crucial evidence.

“After he was arrested he tried to deny his guilt, as officers uncovered overwhelming proof that he was motivated by hate.

"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."