Two people have been arrested as part of a counter-terrorism investigation into a suspected arson attack at a memorial wall in Golders Green, north-west London. The Metropolitan police confirmed that a 46-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman were taken into custody at an address in Romford, east London, where officers also conducted searches.
Both suspects were arrested on suspicion of arson and remain in custody at a London police station. Scotland Yard stated that while the investigation is led by counter-terrorism police, it is not being treated as a terrorist incident. The memorial wall itself was not damaged.
The wall, situated near a Jewish centre, serves as a tribute to thousands of protesters killed during a crackdown in Iran in January. This incident adds to a series of attacks on Jewish-linked premises in recent weeks. Over the past month, counter-terrorism officers have arrested more than two dozen individuals in connection with such attacks, including the torching of ambulances belonging to the Jewish volunteer emergency service Hatzola in Golders Green on 23 March.
The suspected arson occurred at around 12:15 am on Monday 27 April and was reported just before 7:30 pm that day. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of counter-terrorism policing London, said: “We are committed to protecting vulnerable communities in the capital. Detectives have been conducting extensive enquiries since this incident was reported to us last week and these two arrests are the result of that hard work.”
Flanagan added: “CTP London is working on a number of investigations into incidents that have taken place in north-west London since the attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green in March. We have made a total of 30 arrests and nine people have been charged. Counter-terrorism officers continue to work closely with our colleagues in the Metropolitan police in response to the various incidents. We’re providing protective security advice and support to various organisations, community venues and businesses.”
She urged the public to remain vigilant: “With the threat level now raised to severe, everyone can play their part to keep themselves and their communities safe. If you have concerns about someone behaving suspiciously, please report it to us. Your information could help us save lives.”
The investigation is ongoing, and police have not ruled out further arrests.
