A MAN who set fire to rooms in two separate hotels where he was staying has been convicted thanks to an investigation by our officers.

Working with the fire service, our officers established there were multiple seats of fire in The Phoenix hotel on 28 March 2025 and then in a room at The Bell Hotel on 5 April.

Officers established similarities between the two fires and that the same person was staying in each room – Rawand Abdulrahman.

Due to these links the fires were treated as arson and the 37-year-old was arrested.

He was later charged with two counts of arson with intent to endanger life.

He denied the offences and was instead convicted of two counts of arson reckless as to whether life is endangered on Friday 20 March following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

He will face sentence at the same court on Friday 24 April.

Chief Inspector Terry Fisher, District Commander for Epping Forest, said: “Rawand Abdulrahman’s actions risked the safety of the residents and staff at both hotels.

“I am pleased that our investigation, and the support from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, has ensured he has been held accountable.

“We will investigate offences where and when they take place, regardless of who they involve or where they take place.”