Counter-terrorism police have made two further arrests in connection with an alleged conspiracy to commit arson at a site linked to the Jewish community, according to the Metropolitan Police. The latest detentions involve a 19-year-old man and a 26-year-old man, who were taken into custody in Watford on Tuesday and remain under police supervision.
Expanding Investigation into Arson Plot
This brings the total number of individuals arrested in relation to the same alleged arson conspiracy to nine over the past four days. The seven suspects apprehended prior to Tuesday have been released on bail with stringent conditions imposed by authorities.
Previous Arrests and Locations
Earlier arrests included three men aged 24, 26, and 26 who were detained in Harpenden on April 19th. Additionally, a 25-year-old man was arrested in Stevenage. In a separate operation on Monday, a 26-year-old man and two women aged 50 and 59 were taken into custody near Birmingham in connection with the alleged conspiracy.
Separate Guilty Plea in Synagogue Arson
In a related development, a teenager pleaded guilty on Tuesday to an arson attack on a synagogue in Kenton, located in north-west London, which occurred on Saturday night. The two newly arrested individuals are suspected of involvement in planning an arson attack at an unspecified venue connected to the Jewish community.
Police Statement on Ongoing Operations
Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator of counter-terrorism policing, emphasized the continued pace of investigations. "Our investigations continue at pace, and we are continuing to identify and arrest suspects who we believe were involved in, or planning, the recent arson attacks in north-west London," Evans stated.
She further noted, "We've now had the first conviction in relation to this recent spate of arson attacks and seven others have been charged. We remain determined to identify, arrest and charge all those who have been involved in the recent criminal activity."
Recent Pattern of Attacks on Jewish Targets
The arrests by counter-terrorism officers follow a series of firebombings and attempted arson attacks targeting synagogues and other Jewish-associated locations across London. These incidents began on March 23rd, when ambulances operated by a Jewish charity were deliberately set ablaze in Golders Green, north London.
Escalation in April
Throughout April, there were additional attacks or attempted attacks on a charity, multiple synagogues, and an Iranian dissident media outlet. Evans issued a stern warning to potential perpetrators: "My message to anyone even considering getting involved in this type of activity is this: the stakes are high and it is absolutely not worth the risk."
The Metropolitan Police continue their intensive investigation into these coordinated attacks, with counter-terrorism units working diligently to prevent further incidents and ensure community safety.
