Man charged with arson after fires started in London Fields

A man has been charged with arson after around ten fires were started in London Fields in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Officers and London Fire Brigade crews were called to the park near Lansdowne Drive at 5.07am on 15 August, following multiple reports of a man setting fires.

A man in his 50s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of arson, setting fires and possession of a Class A drug.

No injuries were reported. Firefighters extinguished around ten fires, all of them within London Fields.

Isaac Shozi, 50, of Bodney Road, Hackney, was later charged with arson.

He was remanded in custody and was due to appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court today (Monday 17 August).

Wildfire risk

Detective superintendent Liz Cumber, who leads policing in central east London, said: “No one can be in any doubt about the dangers of starting fires, particularly following the recent hot weather and heightened risk of wildfires. Even small fires can spread quickly and put people, buildings and open spaces at risk.

“We take all reports of this nature extremely seriously and work closely with partners, including the London Fire Brigade. We will investigate all incidents, identify those responsible and ensure appropriate action is taken against those who are reported to have endangered the public.”

Police have asked anyone who witnesses a fire, or behaviour that could lead to one starting, to call 999 immediately, saying prompt reporting helps emergency services respond quickly and stop fires spreading.