Redbridge Islamic sites visited by police following boarding school ‘arson attack’

Police have been visiting Muslim centres across Redbridge today following a suspected arson attack at an Islamic boarding school on Saturday.

The incident at the Darul Uloom London Islamic school in Chislehurst follows another suspicious fire last week that destroyed an Islamic community centre in Muswell Hill.

No children were injured in the fire at Darul Uloom after around 130 people were evacuated as the blaze took hold shortly before midnight on Saturday.

Police have arrested four teenagers, aged 17 and 18, in connection with the incident.

The Metropolitan Police carried out “additional patrols” across London today, putting some sites under 24-hour guard.

Ch Insp Elaine Casey, of Redbridge Police, said officers had been carrying out “risk assessments” at sites across the borough to see what measures were needed.

She would not specify what premises had been visited but described them as “strongly associated with the Muslim faith”.

Ch Insp Casey added: “We will keep measures under scrutiny as time goes on looking at our information and anything from the public.

“We will continue looking at it as long as we are advised to.

“We have been very pleased with the positive response we have had from the community and the great respect and tolerance the people of Redbridge show towards each other.

“We hope the community continues such a positive approach.”