Camden Council, police, and fire brigade respond to Kilburn arson incident

Key Information:

• Who: Camden Council, the Metropolitan Police, and the London Fire Brigade.
• What: Response to an arson attack involving flammable objects thrown into the grounds of a community centre; one 47-year-old man has been arrested.
• Where: The Islamic Centre of England, located in the Kilburn and Maida Vale area.
• When: The incident occurred at approximately 00:15hrs on Tuesday, 3 February 2026.
• Why: To provide community reassurance, announce increased patrols, and urge calm following an incident of fire damage.

Camden Council is working closely with the Metropolitan Police to support residents following an arson attack on the Islamic Centre of England in Kilburn.

At approximately 12:15 am on Tuesday, flammable objects were thrown into the grounds of the centre in the Maida Vale area. While the main building was not damaged and no injuries were reported, the fires caused damage to a cabin and a parked vehicle.

The Met confirmed that a 47-year-old man was arrested shortly after midday on Tuesday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody.

Council Response and Community Safety

In response to the incident, Camden Council has deployed community presence officers to the area. These officers are conducting additional patrols alongside the police to provide a visible safety presence and reassure the local community.

Councillor Richard Olszewski, Leader of the Council, said: "On Monday night an attack was made on the Islamic Centre of England in Kilburn. This is frightening and distressing for anyone who was nearby at the time and I know it will cause concern among the local community. I want to reassure residents that we are committed to keeping you safe and we will not tolerate any forms of violence."

Police Investigation and Appeal

The Metropolitan Police noted that the centre has previously been a site of protest related to events in Iran. A spokesperson for the force urged the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed to avoid any escalation of tensions.

Officers are currently reviewing evidence. A suspect was seen leaving the scene in a car. Residents with information or those who witnessed the incident are urged to contact the police.

Resident FAQ: Reporting and Support

How can I report information about this incident?
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote crime reference 0069/03FEB.

What should I do if I witness a hate crime?
Camden Council maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward hate crime. Residents who experience or witness such incidents are encouraged to report them to the police or via council reporting channels.

What is the safety advice for emergencies?
In an immediate emergency, residents should call 999 and follow the national "run, hide, tell" guidance.