Lammi asylum reception centre was targeted by arsonists on Tuesday night. According to a press release sent by Hämeenlinna municipality, the attackers tried to start a fire in the centre from the outside. Nobody was injured in the attack, and police are investigating.
Hämeenlinna council describes the attack as an isolated incident. In a statement signed by the city’s mayor, deputy mayor, chair of the council and chair of the city’s board, the municipality condemned the act in strong terms.
"We absolutely condemn all violence and threats to recently-arrived asylum seekers, reception centre workers and volunteers," read the statement. "We will take responsibility and work to ensure that those seeking protection here and those working or volunteering to help them can feel safe."
Police are asking for information about any people or vehicles that were in the area between 2:30am and 3:30am on Wednesday morning.
The Lammi centre is run by the Red Cross and has been in operation since 2009. This attempted arson is the second to target asylum seekers this autumn, following a petrol bomb thrown at the Kouvola reception centre in September.
Edit: This story was updated at 2.50pm to include accurate images of site of tthe firebombing incident.