Images released of man suspected of starting fire at Rotterdam Alderman’s house

The police have released images of a suspect in the arson at the home of Rotterdam alderman Faouzi Achbar on July 6. Police are calling on any people who recognize the man to report this to an officer.

Images show the suspect arriving at the home in Rotterdam-Zuid by bicycle. He walks around the house for a while, trying to find a way in before leaving after a certain amount of time. The images that the police released do not show the fire being started.

Police had already mentioned that they suspected the fire had been deliberately lit. Achbar’s family was not home during the match as it was during the Euro 2024 match between the Netherlands and Turkey.

“This is a dark-skinned man with a stocky build, black, short hair, and a blue backpack from JD Sports. The perpetrator also appears to be wearing dark blue jeans. He wears dark shoes with a striking white sole, a dark-colored jacket, and a white cap,” the police said on their website.

A spokesperson said Achbar and his family have not returned to their home yet, which was destroyed on the inside by the fire. It is unclear when they will do so.