Man threatened to turn himself into a human fireball
An angry resident who doused himself in petrol at Kensington Town Hall and threatened to torch the building after a row with the council about his housing is facing jail.
Ako Ahmed, 45, told a member of staff he would kill them as he poured gasoline over himself in front of horrified members of the public on 4 September last year.
A police officer bravely intervened to disarm Ahmed of his lighter while he brandished it and threatened to burn down the building in Hornton Street, southwest London.
He hurled abuse at workers and said he would set fire to himself after a bitter dispute with the council about his housing conditions.
Ahmed admitted attempting to commit arson on Thursday (fri) at Isleworth Crown Court having been convicted of making threats to kill and damage property in February.
He will return for sentence on 5 January.
DC Nigel Pacquette, Belgravia CID, who led the investigation, said: ‘Those Ahmed targeted had been trying to help him, but unfortunately he lost sight of that and reacted in a way that could have resulted in grave injuries for everyone involved, himself included.
‘I’m thankful this wasn’t the case and would like to thank PC Stanley who bravely disarmed Ahmed of his lighter.
‘If it hadn’t been for that officer’s actions, who put themselves in harm’s way, the result is unthinkable.’
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