Arson Plot Busted: Man Arrested Over London House Fires
A man believed to have hired criminals to torch homes across London for cash has been arrested. The 29-year-old was caught in a dramatic early morning raid on 30 July in Northolt.
‘Dig Out’ Tactic Used to Nab Suspect
Armed officers from the Met’s Specialist Firearms Command carried out a search warrant at a Halsbury Road address. They used a high-risk tactic called ‘containment and call out’ – or a “dig out” – to safely bring the suspect out. This method is reserved for dangerous suspects who might be armed, reducing risk to officers and the public.
Operation Eternal: Crackdown on Organised Crime
The arrest is part of Operation Eternal, the biggest Met sweep ever against serious organised crime. The probe is powered by data from European partners and the National Crime Agency, gathered from encrypted chats via the Encrochat system. This intel came through Operation Venetic, an international crime-busting mission.
Detectives analysed hundreds of devices and thousands of messages, building over 100 cases. This arrest targets a string of fires from April 2020, where homes and vehicles were deliberately set alight. The suspect allegedly paid others to carry out the attacks, risking lives across the capital.
Detective’s Warning: Justice Will Follow
“This case involves serious arsons that could have killed or seriously injured many people,” said Detective Sergeant John Cowell. “Our priority is cutting violence on London’s streets. We’re relentless in targeting those behind these horrific crimes.”
“We’ll keep pushing cases through the courts until those responsible face justice.”
