Man Arrested After Suspected Arson Attack on Iran-Linked Islamic Centre in London

London police have launched an investigation into a suspected arson attack on an Islamic centre linked to the Iranian government after two flammable objects were thrown into its grounds in the early hours of Tuesday, authorities said.

A 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following the incident at the Islamic Centre of England in the Maida Vale district of central London, according to a statement by the Metropolitan Police. The centre is a religious and cultural institution serving Britain’s Shiite Muslim community and has long been regarded by British authorities and critics as having institutional ties to Iran. No injuries were reported.

Police said officers were called to the scene at around 12:15 a.m. alongside the London Fire Brigade after reports of a fire at the centre. Investigators believe that two flammable objects were thrown into the grounds, causing fire damage to a cabin and a parked vehicle.

The suspect is believed to have left the scene in a car shortly after the incident. The fires went out on their own before emergency responders arrived, and the main building of the centre was not damaged, police added.

An investigation was launched immediately, and less than 12 hours after the incident, officers arrested a 47-year-old man in connection with the attack. He was taken into custody, where he remains as enquiries continue.

The Metropolitan Police said the Islamic Centre of England has previously been a focal point for political tensions related to Iran, with past protests and confrontations involving groups that support and oppose the Iranian regime. The centre is widely regarded as being linked to Tehran through its religious leadership and institutional ties.

“The Islamic Centre has previously been the site of protest and altercations between groups who support and are opposed to the regime in Iran,” a police spokesperson said.

According to police, tensions surrounding the site had already been elevated due to recent developments in Iran. “Tensions between those groups were already heightened given events in Iran in recent weeks, and we understand that this incident will be the cause of further community concern,” a spokesperson said.

Authorities stressed that there was no indication of broader public danger following the attack but urged calm as the investigation continues. “We would urge everyone to remain calm, to allow officers to do their job through the investigation, and to avoid any sort of escalation,” the spokesperson added.

Police said patrols in the area would be reviewed as necessary while enquiries remain ongoing. No further details about a possible motive were released.

The incident adds to ongoing concerns in Europe over politically motivated attacks linked to Middle East tensions, particularly as events inside Iran continue to reverberate among diaspora communities abroad.