An arsonist torched a building Islington Council was going to turn into a homeless hostel.

Meadowcroft, a former old folk’s home, in Bethune Road was gutted thirty years ago – two days before it was due reopen as a hostel for the homeless.

An Islington Council spokesperson said: “It’s heart-breaking to see the hear work of the pas few months going up in smoke. Families from bread and breakfast hostels were looking forward to moving in on Monday. They will be desperately disappointed.”

The 72-bed home had closed the previous November when it was handed over to the housing department to be made into a hostel.

The fire caused about £200,000 worth of damage.

It was reported an intruder had gained entrance by smashing a window.

Preliminary investigations suggested the fire was started in three places on the ground floor.

It took six fire engines nearly two hours to bring the blaze under control