Detectives are waiting to quiz a man arrested on suspicion of an arson attack on a house in east London as he recovers in hospital from injuries sustained in the incident.
Investigators are working to establish if the attack in Hackney was linked to antisemitism.
The arrested man, in his 60s, is being treated for minor injuries with officers ready to question him when he is fit enough.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, responsible for policing in Hackney, said: “On his arrest the man made a number of threatening comments, some of which were allegedly antisemitic.
“We take instances of antisemitism extremely seriously and for this reason we’re investigating the incident as a potential hate crime.
“Undoubtedly this will be extremely concerning news for our Jewish communities in Hackney and beyond, and I and my officers will be engaging with partners including the Community Safety Trust and the Shomrim, to answer their questions and listen to their views.
“Whilst the investigation will continue to explore the motivation for this offence, we believe at this stage that this was centred on a localised housing-related issue. We have no indication, at this very early stage, that the motivation was connected with any specific local or global events."
He added that the incident was not being treated as terror related.
The attack on the house in Newick Road, Hackney, left the suspect and three others injured.
Sixty firefighters were scrambled to the property at just after 12.40pm on Wednesday. Dramatic footage showed flames shooting from the terraced house and smoke filling the street.
Firefighters used a 32-metre turntable ladder as a water tower and the fire was under control by 3.28pm.
The London fire Brigade has launched an investigation and experts will be trawling through the charred remains of the house for evidence.
Station Commander Alan Bendell, who was at the scene, said: “Crews worked hard to bring the fire under control and stop the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties."
Anyone with information can call the police on 101 or post @MetCC ref CAD 3285/20Mar.Ends
