Counter-Terror Police Investigate Arson Attack in North-West London
Counter-terrorism police have taken the lead in investigating an attempted arson attack on a business in Hendon, north-west London. The Metropolitan Police described "similarities" with other recent attacks, though no direct links have been established yet.
Details of the Incident
Officers were called to the scene shortly after 10:30 PM on Friday, following reports of an attempted arson. The London Fire Brigade also attended the location. According to police, a man was seen approaching a row of shops carrying a plastic bag containing three bottles of fluid. He fled the scene when the bottles failed to fully ignite.
The shopfront sustained minor damage, and no injuries were reported. While the attack is not currently being treated as a terrorist incident, authorities are keeping an "open mind" about the motive. No arrests have been made so far.
Connection to Recent Attacks
The Guardian understands that the targeted premises is linked to an educational charity called Jewish Futures. This incident follows a series of attacks in the area, including arson attacks on a nearby synagogue and a Jewish ambulance charity in Golders Green last month.
On the social media platform Telegram, an Islamist group with links to Iran, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (the Islamic Movement of the People of the Right Hand), has claimed responsibility for targeting Jewish Futures. The group previously claimed it was behind attacks on four volunteer ambulances in Golders Green on March 23, as well as a synagogue in Finchley and a Persian-language media organisation in Park Royal on Wednesday. These claims have not been verified by authorities.
One video shared by the group shows what appears to be an incendiary device being prepared and a supermarket bag set on fire, though the footage's timing is unclear.
Police and Community Response
Commander Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London stated, "At this stage last night's arson is not being linked to other incidents in the north-west London area over the last week or last month's arson in Golders Green, but counter-terrorism officers are leading due to the similarities of each attack." She urged anyone with information or footage to contact police immediately.
DCS Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, acknowledged community concerns, saying, "I understand and appreciate their concerns, and I know this latest incident will add to fears in the community." He noted that local officers are working closely with Counter Terrorism Policing, with a heightened police presence, including armed patrols and Project Servator officers, to reassure communities and disrupt offenders.
Community and Political Reactions
A spokesperson for the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity protecting Britain's Jewish community from antisemitism and terrorism, said, "We are aware of what appears to be another attempted arson, this time targeting a premises in north London previously used by the Jewish community." They urged people to remain calm and report any suspicious activity to police and CST.
David Pinto-Duschinsky, the Labour MP for Hendon, told Sky News the incident would "undoubtedly add to the concerns" of north London's Jewish community. He emphasized, "In Hendon, we are proudly the home of a large Jewish community. We've seen the attacks on Hatzola in Golders Green, which is just a mile down the road ... Today is Sabbath and as people come out of Sabbath, they will be greeted with this news, so it's something I'm working very hard on and obviously it's a source of concern."
Jewish Futures has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded.
