An investigation has been launched following a fire at a hotel housing asylum seekers in Hackney during the early hours of this morning.
Emergency services were called to the New Pembury Hotel, on Seven Sisters Road, in Finsbury Park shortly after 1:00am, following reports of thick plumes of smoke issuing from the building.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) responded with six fire engines and a turntable ladder (TL) to tackle the blaze. London Ambulance Service (LAS) and Metropolitan Police officers also attended the scene. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported, and the hotel was safely evacuated.
The incident has caused significant disruption in the area, with road closures on Seven Sisters Road still in place. Officers from the Met Police are continuing to manage the cordon and redirect traffic while the scene remains active.
A police source confirmed:
“An investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the fire. Emergency services responded swiftly, and all occupants were safely evacuated. We are grateful for the cooperation of residents and those affected.”
The hotel is understood to be currently accommodating asylum seekers, but authorities have not confirmed whether the fire is being treated as suspicious at this stage.
Witnesses reported seeing large columns of smoke rising from the building as firefighters battled the flames. The cause of the fire has not yet been established, and forensic teams are expected to carry out further examinations at the scene later today.
Transport for London has reported ongoing disruption to several key bus routes in the area, including the 29, 253, 254, 259, N29, N253, and N279. Commuters are advised to seek alternative routes and expect delays.
Further updates will be issued as the investigation progresses. Anyone with information, photos, or footage of the incident is urged to contact police via 101 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
