CCTV footage captured an anti-migrant protester hurling a handmade petrol bomb at a London hotel which was housing hundreds of asylum seekers.
Mark Neville wore all black and a balaclava as he clutched a plastic bag close to his chest and crouched down outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington, north London, on September 25 last year.
The 65-year-old was seen lighting the device before throwing it over a gate towards the hotel’s entrance.
The improvised firebomb exploded near some bins, but was quickly put out by security guards.
Neville was later found with a lock knife and a stun gun five minutes from the hotel.
Detectives tracked Neville using CCTV footage, following his movements from the scene to the door of his flat.
Local residents then helped to identify him and forensic evidence linked Neville to the attack, with his DNA being found on glass fragments from the petrol bomb.
A specialist fire investigation dog named Simba, a nine-year-old springer spaniel, helped officers find a glove containing Neville’s DNA in a nearby bin.
Mark Neville was caught on CCTV hurling a petrol bomb at a hotel believed to have been housing up to 500 asylum seekers in September last year
Neville was seen walking towards the hotel entrance, carrying the improvised firebomb
The 65-year-old (pictured being arrested) initially denied throwing the bomb, but said after being shown the CCTV footage: ‘Go on then, f*** it, it was me’
The glove also revealed trace amounts of medium petroleum distillate (MPD) – a flammable chemical which was used in the device.
Police searches of Neville’s flat uncovered internet searches and messages relating to far-right activists, migration and asylum seekers.
The Metropolitan Police said the evidence indicated that Neville was motivated by hatred and anger towards immigration.
Neville was arrested two days after the attack. He initially denied throwing the Molotov cocktail during his police interview, but said upon being shown the CCTV footage: ‘Go on then, f*** it, it was me.’
Neville also admitted attending anti-migrant protests, including a demo outside the hotel as well as events organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Tom Nicholson, prosecuting, said Neville had previously complained to a bartender at his local pub about asylum seekers, saying: ‘You know, these f****** immigrants, they make me sick.’
He claimed they were taking jobs and mentioned the rape of a woman, the court heard.
The prosecutor said Neville’s feelings about migrants were relevant, adding: ‘We are suggesting it is the motivation behind the attack.’
Neville was arrested by police two days after the attack after officers used CCTV footage to follow his movements from the scene to the door of his flat
A specialist fire investigation dog named Simba, a nine-year-old springer spaniel, helped officers find a glove containing Neville’s DNA in a nearby bin
Anti-racism activists clashed with police and anti-migrant protesters on August 2 last year outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington, where asylum seekers are being housed
People believed to be migrants were seen filming and laughing from a window as they watched the clashes unfold
The Metropolitan Police said nine people were arrested on the day
Neville, of Pear Tree Street, Islington, admitted attempted arson being reckless as to endanger life, possession of the knife and possession of a prohibited weapon at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
He was remanded in custody ahead of sentence on a date to be fixed.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley, whose team led the investigation, said: ‘Neville fire-bombed a hotel in an attack that was designed to terrify residents and the local community. His actions could easily have caused horrific injuries.
‘Officers immediately moved to identify him, track him down and arrest him, examining hundreds of hours of CCTV and gathering crucial evidence.
‘After he was arrested he tried to deny his guilt, as officers uncovered overwhelming proof that he was motivated by hate.
‘We remain resolute in our determination to protect Londoners and relentlessly pursue those who seek to cause fear and harm, bringing serious offenders to justice.’
Last summer, the Thistle City Barbican Hotel was the centre of a large-scale protest, which saw clashes between anti-migrant protesters and anti-racism activists.
Neville (pictured) was sentenced to attempted arson being reckless as to endanger life, possession of the knife and possession of a prohibited weapon at Snaresbrook Crown Court. He has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing
On the afternoon of August 2, 2025, both protesting groups gathered near the hotel in affluent Islington.
Anti-immigration protesters chanted under the banner ‘Thistle Barbican needs to go – locals say no’, against the use of the hotel accommodating asylum seekers.
A counter-protest, organised by Stand Up To Racism and supported by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, as well as other groups including Finsbury Park Mosque and Islington Labour Party, also took to the streets.
Clashes transpired between the two groups of demonstrators, before police separated the opposing sides, with the Metropolitan Police imposing conditions on both the protest and counter demonstration.
A group of anti-fascist protesters blocked a junction outside the hotel in breach of conditions, with officers being forced to push their way into the crowd to detain several demonstrators, dragging them out by their arms and legs.
Then, the group was moved from the road where officers informed them they were in breach of conditions put in place, before forming a circle around the protesters.
Nine people were arrested on the day.
People believed to be migrants were seen filming and laughing from a window, while other residents inside the hotel watched the protest unfold, covering their faces and filming the clashes.
The hotel on Dingley Road is no longer being used to house migrants.
