Barking and Dagenham Council has successfully secured a possession order for a flat in Hawkwell House, Dagenham, following a serious fire incident that caused significant distress to residents and raised major safety concerns.

On 26 August 2024, the tenant deliberately started a fire using his ex-partner’s belongings, an incident that came shortly after devastating fires elsewhere in Dagenham and heightened anxiety among local residents. The council acted swiftly, working closely with the police, housing services and support agencies to prioritise residents’ safety, reassure tenants and support those affected.

Immediate measures included the introduction of a waking watch to provide additional on-site reassurance, regular updates to residents, and close liaison with the police during their investigation. Following the individual’s conviction, the council progressed legal action, serving a mandatory notice and applying to the court for possession. On 15 April 2026, the Romford County Court granted possession of the property with immediate effect.

The case involved extensive partnership working across council teams and external agencies, alongside careful consideration of equality and support needs, demonstrating the council’s commitment to protecting residents and taking firm action where behaviour places others at risk.

Keith Stanger, Director for Enforcement, Regulatory Services and Community Safety said: “Starting a fire in a residential block is completely unacceptable and puts lives at risk. This action sends a clear message that we will not tolerate behaviour that endangers residents or undermines community safety.

“I want to thank our officers and partners for their persistence and professionalism in bringing this case to a conclusion, and for the reassurance and support they provided to residents throughout an extremely worrying time.”