Boy, 16, among three arrested over attempted arson on Persian language media group in Wembley

Thursday, 16 April 2026 15:36

Three people, including a 16-year-old boy, have been arrested after an attempted arson attack on the offices of a Persian language media organisation.

Metropolitan Police said a lit container was thrown at a premises in Wembley, northwest London, at around 8.30pm on Wednesday.

It is understood the offices of Volant Media, the parent company of Persian news channel Iran International, were targeted.

The container landed in a car park, where the fire extinguished itself, and the suspects fled in a black SUV.

A police armed response vehicle gave chase after the driver failed to stop and the SUV ended up crashing on Ballards Lane in Finchley.

A 19-year-old man and a 21-year-old man were arrested alongside the younger teen on suspicion of arson endangering life

Some nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution but the attempted arson didn't cause any injuries or damage.

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Police said it's not being treated as a terrorist incident, but is being investigated by detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing London.

It is also not currently being linked to recent arson incidents on a synagogue in Finchley and ambulances in Golders Green.

Sky News

(c) Sky News 2026: Boy, 16, among three arrested over attempted arson on Persian language media group in Wembley

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