DETECTIVES from Hillingdon have renewed their appeal to find a man they want to speak to about a fire at a Hindu temple.
Police were called by the London Fire Brigade following reports of a fire at 00.15am at the Adhya Shakti Mataji Temple along Cowley High Street, on Tuesday, May 28.
The fire caused significant damage to a portakabin which was being used as a temporary building. The Temple, which is next door to the portakabin, was not damaged.
Officers from Hillingdon are investigating and they believe that this fire is not linked to two other fires in Muswell Hill and Chislehurst.
Three weeks on from the incident officers are appealing to anyone who can identify the man caught on CCTV - footage which first appeared on the website this day of the fire.
They are also appealing to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or anyone outside of the gates of the Temple or inside the Cowley Recreation Park next to the Temple to contact them.
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Turner, based at Hillingdon, said: "Our initial inquires into this incident are still ongoing and we urgently require the public's help to assist us with this investigation.
"The person or people who started the fire gave no thought to the fact that the portakabin may have been occupied at the time. It is of paramount importance that we trace the individual who can be clearly been seen in the CCTV and I urge anyone who recognises him to come forward and tell us what they know.
"We are also appealing for anyone who was in the Cowley High Street area and may have seen anyone acting suspiciously to also contact us. We have spoken to a number of people in the area and continue to liaise closely with members of the Adhya Shakti Mataji Temple.
"This incident has come at a time where there are heightened sensitivities following the murder of Lee Rigby and whilst investigations are still ongoing to establish the exact circumstances of this incident we believe that the attack on the Temple is not linked but we continue to retain an open mind.
"We have already introduced additional patrols for the area and we would like to reassure the local community, and those who worship at the Temple that we are treating this case seriously."
Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Kershaw, Borough commander for Hillingdon, said: "The fire at the Temple has had a significant effect on those who attend the Temple and also the wider community. This was a senseless attack on a temporary building used by those who attend the Temple and had it been occupied at the time there is every possibility there could have been a devastating outcome."
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Hillingdon police's Community Safety Unit on 020 8246 1766, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
