Somali man is arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after stabbing at migrant hotel near Heathrow

By OLIVIA ALLHUSEN, FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER Published: 21:21, 15 August 2026 | Updated: 21:29, 15 August 2026 A Somali man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a stabbing at a migrant hotel near Heathrow. Police were called to the Stanwell Hotel in Stanwell at around 6.30pm today following reports of a stabbing. A man in his 20s, who police said is a Somali national, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Police said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and urged the public not to speculate. Officers had earlier confirmed they were responding to an incident at the hotel amid a significant emergency services presence in the area. In an update shortly before 7.30pm, police said: 'We understand that any significant emergency services presence is likely to cause concern locally and want to reassure you that we are dealing with this incident.' They said further updates would be provided when available. The government first began using the hotel to house individuals and families seeking asylum in 2022. Plans have since been submitted to turn the Stanwell Hotel back into a hotel for business and leisure guests, including passengers using nearby Heathrow Airport. Under the proposals, the building in Town Lane would be modernised and refurbished, with the number of rooms increased from 56 to 96. Police were called to the Stanwell Hotel (pictured) in Stanwell at around 6.30pm today following reports of a stabbing  The plans also include extending the roof of the original building and adding a single-storey extension. Asylum seekers currently staying at the hotel would be expected to move out if the plans are approved by Spelthorne Borough Council, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.  The Home Office has previously said it was committed to ending the use hotels for asylum seekers and is working towards alternative accommodation. Developers said the improvements were intended to 'modernise the hotel and secure its future as part of the village economy'. The Home Office has previously said it is committed to ending the use of hotels to accommodate asylum seekers and is working towards alternative accommodation. But earlier this year, a former hotel worker claimed its use as asylum seeker accommodation had left some members of the community 'scared to walk alone on the street'. The Stanwell Hotel near Heathrow initially closed its doors to the public in 2022, after the Home Office announced plans to use the premises to house migrants. This is a breaking news story, more to follow.  Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.