A second Turkish business has been fire-bombed within days of the first and just a few streets away.

The Council of the Turkish and Cypriot Association on Mountgrove Road, Highbury, fell victim to an arson attack at about 11pm on Sunday.

Eight days earlier, on November 26, a Molotov cocktail was hurled through the window of the Islamic Community Milli Gorus, in Highbury New Park, Highbury.

The attacks are thought to be related to the recent visit to London of the Turkish President.

On Sunday, two fire crews had the blaze under control before it did much damage.

Police are treating the fire as suspicious but made no arrests. Nobody was injured.

Tom North, who lives in the area, said: “It was mayhem. Police were everywhere and they had closed the road. There was someone in the flat beneath, but I think they are okay. There were still a few police there the following day and some cars had been damaged by the fire.”

Cllr Terry Stacy, representing nearby Highbury East ward, said: “I have been assured by the council and the police that this issue is being taken very seriously by the upper echelons of the police in London.

“It’s not gang or drug related, but seems to relate to internal Turkish politics.”

Islington Gazette