Police have charged a 50-year-old man with arson after a series of small fires were started across London Fields on Saturday evening, the Metropolitan Police confirmed.
Arrest and charge
Officers arrested a man in his fifties on suspicion of arson and other offences before charging him later. The defendant has been named by police as Isaac Shozi, 50, of Bodney Road, Hackney. No-one was reported to have been injured during the incidents, the Met said.
What happened in the park
Fire crews from the London Fire Brigade attended the park and extinguished around ten separate small fires that were burning across the open space. The incidents were dealt with rapidly and did not lead to any recorded casualties or hospital admissions.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of fires | ~10 |
| Location | London Fields, Hackney |
| Arrest | Isaac Shozi, 50 |
| Injuries | None reported |
Police warning and context
Detective Superintendent Liz Cumber, who oversees policing in central east London, underlined the dangers of igniting fires during the current hot spell. She said the force works closely with partner agencies, including the fire service, to investigate such incidents and pursue those suspected of putting the public at risk.
"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," Detective Superintendent Liz Cumber said.
Police stated they take all reports of this nature seriously and will take appropriate action against anyone found to have endangered others.
Heatwave and wildfire risk
The arrests and warnings come amid an exceptionally hot summer. The highest recorded temperature of the year in the UK — 38.1C at Kew Gardens — was logged this week. National figures shared by the National Fire Chiefs Council show that more than 1,000 wildfires have already been recorded in England and Wales this year, matching last year’s record total.
Because of the elevated risk, public authorities have been urging people to avoid activities that could spark fires. A mobile alert was issued from around 7pm on the evening of the incidents advising residents not to light barbecues, campfires or fireworks in outdoor spaces.
Local impact and what residents should know
- Anyone who saw suspicious activity in London Fields at the time of the fires is asked to contact the police so investigators can verify accounts and gather evidence.
- If you spot a small blaze in a park or open space, dial 999 and give your location; small flames can spread rapidly in hot, dry conditions.
- Local green-space users should heed public-safety alerts and avoid lighting barbecues or fireworks while wildfire risk remains high.
Local wardens and Hackney Council teams often patrol open spaces during hot, dry weather, but the speed of ignition and spread means the public must remain vigilant. Emergency services say quick reporting remains the most effective way to prevent small fires becoming large, destructive incidents.
Next steps in the case
The Met has indicated that inquiries will continue and that anyone with information, or footage obtained around the time of the fires, should come forward to assist the investigation. Charges have been brought in this case, and the matter will proceed through the criminal justice system.
As summer temperatures remain high and outdoor use of public spaces continues, authorities are reiterating a straightforward message: avoid naked flames in parks and follow official guidance to minimise the risk of wildfire and harm to the public.
Reporting from Hackney.
