Man Jailed for Eight-and-a-Half Years Over Epping Hotel Arson Attacks

A man who deliberately set fire to rooms in two separate hotels in Epping, Essex, where he was staying, has been jailed for eight and-a-half years following an investigation by Essex Police officers. Rawand Abdulrahman, 37, was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday (24 April) for two counts of arson reckless as to whether life is endangered.

Fires were reported in a room at The Phoenix hotel on 28 March last year, and then at The Bell hotel on 5 April. Working with the fire service, officers established there were multiple seats of fire in both rooms.

Officers identified similarities between the two incidents and confirmed that Abdulrahman was staying in each room. Due to these links, the fires were treated as arson, leading to his arrest and subsequent charge with two counts of arson with intent to endanger life.

Abdulrahman denied the offences but was convicted of two counts of arson reckless as to whether life is endangered on Friday 20 March, following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Judge's Comments and Local Impact

His Honour Judge Alexander Mills, presiding at Chelmsford Crown Court, noted that Abdulrahman was "clearly frustrated by the situation" he found himself in. The court heard that Abdulrahman "decided enough was enough" and took matters into his own hands in an attempt to be moved from accommodation "described as akin to a prison".

The Phoenix hotel, located on Epping Road in North Weald Bassett, suffered "several hundreds of thousands of pounds" worth of damage, with an entire wing requiring rebuilding. The Bell hotel, situated on High Road, Bell Common, Epping, incurred an estimated repair bill of £40,000. The Phoenix Hotel had been housing families with young children at the time of the incident.

The Bell hotel is positioned on the outskirts of Epping, near Theydon Road, with Bell Common, a local open space, located opposite the High Road. Epping Tube Station, a short walk from The Bell hotel, provides Central Line connections to London. The wider Epping area is known for Epping Forest, an ancient woodland offering walking and cycling routes.

Police Statement

Chief Inspector Terry Fisher, District Commander for Epping Forest, stated: “Rawand Abdulrahman’s actions risked the safety of the residents and staff at both hotels. These fires could easily have been even more serious and had even more serious consequences. We will investigate offences where and when they take place, regardless of who they involve or where they take place. Thanks to our investigation, and the support from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, he has been held accountable.”

Travel Advice

There are no current transport impacts or road closures related to these past incidents.

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Source Verification

This article is based on an official press release issued by a UK Police Force.
Document: Epping: Man jailed for deliberately starting two fires
Source Link: Source Link: https://www.essex.police.uk/news/essex/news/news/2026/april/epping-man-jailed-for-deliberately-starting-two-fires