A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a fire at a hotel housing asylum seekers in central London.

The blaze took place in the grounds of Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington shortly after 10.50pm on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said.

The force said the incident was being investigated as a hate crime.

The fire was put out by staff at the hotel before police attended.

No one was injured.

The man, 64, was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article, police said. He remains in custody.

Commander Hayley Sewart, who is leading the investigation for the Met, said: “I would like to thank my team for their quick and effective work in identifying the suspect and making this arrest.

“We understand the ongoing concern in the local community and our investigation is continuing at pace.”

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Inquiries are ongoing and the incident continues to be investigated as a hate crime, the force added.

Nine people were arrested after a protest and counter-protest took place outside the hotel in August.