Man admits asylum seeker hotel petrol bomb attack

A man has admitted throwing a petrol bomb at a hotel used to house asylum seekers in Islington, north London.

Mark Neville, 65, who pleaded guilty to attempted arson when he appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, was captured on CCTV carrying out the attack at Thistle City Barbican in Dingley Road on 24 September 2025.

The fire was discovered shortly before 23:00 BST and was put out by security guards. It did not cause any injuries.

Det Ch Insp Paul Ridley said the attack was "designed to terrify residents and the local community", and that Neville had been "motivated by hate."

Neville was identified on CCTV throwing the petrol bomb at the hotel before returning to the door of his flat on Pear Tree Street.

A London Fire Brigade forensic dog also discovered a glove with Neville's DNA in a bin close to the hotel.

Police said analysis of his computers showed internet searches on far right activism and asylum seekers.

In a police interview, Neville stated that his friends had often sent him articles about immigration and that he had attended anti-immigration marches, including one outside the hotel he had targeted.

Neville initially denied petrol bombing the hotel, claiming he was visiting a friend who had been diagnosed with dementia, but after being confronted with the evidence, he admitted he was the person in the footage.

Ridley said his actions could "easily have caused horrific injuries".

"Police will relentlessly pursue those who seek to cause fear and harm, bringing serious offenders to justice," he said.

The hotel no longer houses asylum seekers.

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.

He will be sentenced on 8 December.

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