Kensington and Chelsea councillor’s home targeted in fire bomb attack

By Julia Gregory, Local Democracy Reporter

Police are investigating a fire bomb attack at the home of a Kensington and Chelsea councillor.

Ian Henderson was not at home when he says two bottles of hand sanitiser wrapped in cloth were set alight and pushed through his letterbox.

The burning package set off the smoke alarm and his partner threw washing up water over it.

The Labour councillor, who represents Colville ward in north Kensington, said: “Somebody wrapped up two bottles of alcoholic hand sanitiser and threw it in.

“If my partner had not been in the place could have burnt down. It burnt through one of the bottles, it would have exploded.”

No one was hurt in the incident.

Councillor Henderson said earlier someone in a boiler suit was spotted near his housing association flat in Chelsea, but he said the reason for the incident at around 3pm on Monday was a mystery.

He said: “I haven’t really got a beef with anyone, no problems.

“I just do not have a clue.”

He said it could be a case of mistaken identity.

Police set up a crime scene and are investigating the alleged arson.

A spokeswoman said there had been no arrests and the investigation into the incident is continuing.

Last year councillor Henderson, who is a former actor, stood to be selected as a Labour candidate to stand for Parliament in the Fulham and Chelsea constituency.

He has had messages of support from Labour leader Pat Mason and Kensington and Chelsea council leader Elizabeth Campbell, along with other colleagues across the party divide.

He was also involved in the long-standing and successful campaign to save the Sutton Estate from redevelopment.

He was elected to the council in the 2018 elections and has served on the public realm and housing and property scrutiny committees, as well as the planning applications committee.

Labour Leader Pat Mason said: “I have advised the police (the Deputy BCU Commander and the Inspector for Kensington) that I expect protective measures to be put in place to protect Cllr Henderson’s home and his family while the investigation continues to identify and arrest the person who firebombed Ian’s home.

“I have no idea why someone carried out such a life-threatening attack, but when they are caught I hope they are severely dealt with by the courts to deter anyone else from acting in any similar manner against a member of the council.”

Pictured top: The fire bomb thrown through Cllr Henderson’s letterbox