A Hackney man has been sentenced to life imprisonment after deliberately setting fire to his flat in a racially motivated arson attack that forced a family to throw their baby out of a window to safety. Ian Pitkin, 64, of Newick Road, Lower Clapton, was convicted of arson with intent to endanger life, alongside multiple weapons charges, at Wood Green Court on Friday, September 6. Neighbour
The attack, which took place on March 20, 2024, left six people requiring medical attention, including a baby who was thrown from a first-floor window into the arms of waiting relatives below. The baby was checked over by paramedics but, remarkably, did not sustain any injuries. However, one person sustained a fractured hip after jumping from a window to escape the blaze.
Officers and paramedics were called to the fire at Pitkin’s ground floor flat at around 12.45pm on the day of the incident. After starting the fire, Pitkin was found receiving medical attention for his own injuries and was arrested shortly thereafter. During a search of his car, police discovered jerry cans filled with petrol, four air weapons, three knives, and two hammers.
In sentencing Pitkin, His Honour Judge Fugallo remarked, “This offence was motivated by, and demonstrates hostility towards people of Jewish faith.” The attack has been described as a hate crime.
Pitkin had previously pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life, four counts of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and three counts of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. He received a life sentence with a minimum term of six years and 17 days.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, the policing lead for Hackney and Tower Hamlets, commented on the case: “Pitkin’s actions endangered the lives of his neighbours, who were forced to flee their homes in fear for their lives. Several victims were forced to jump from their windows, and a family even had to throw their baby down to waiting relatives below.
He added, “The damage to the building speaks for itself, and it is remarkable that nobody was more seriously injured. The psychological impact on the victims was clear through the victim impact statements submitted to court, with many reporting hearing explosions as the fire engulfed the property.
This case highlights the severe consequences of racially motivated hate crimes, and authorities have praised the bravery of the victims who acted quickly to escape the flames.
