Three charged over arson attack on Persian language media group in London

17 April, 2026 | News

Three individuals have been charged in connection with an attempted arson attack at the offices of a Persian-language media organisation in northwest London.

The suspects — Oisin McGuinness, 21, Nathan Dunn, 19, both from Watford, and a 16-year-old boy from north London — are accused of arson with intent to endanger life. All three are British nationals. McGuinness also faces an additional charge of dangerous driving.

According to Metropolitan Police, the incident occurred at about 8:30pm on Wednesday in the Park Royal area. A lit container was reportedly thrown at a building believed to house Volant Media, the parent company of Persian-language broadcaster Iran International. The object landed in a car park, where the fire extinguished without causing damage.

Following the incident, the suspects fled the scene in a black SUV. Police initiated a pursuit after the driver failed to stop for officers. The vehicle later crashed on Ballards Lane, near Woodberry Gardens in north London.

All three suspects were initially arrested on suspicion of arson endangering life and were formally charged on Friday. They are scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Authorities confirmed that some nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution, but no injuries or property damage were reported.

Police also stated that the incident is not believed to be connected to other recent arson attacks in London, including those targeting a synagogue in Finchley and ambulances in Golders Green. Investigations into the case are ongoing.