Counter-terrorism detectives are leading an investigation after two Jewish men were stabbed and wounded in Golders Green, north London, in a suspected antisemitic attack. The stabbings occurred at approximately 11 am on Wednesday and follow a series of arson attacks on Jewish targets in London, including two previous incidents in Golders Green.
A 45-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder after being shot with a stun gun to subdue him, according to the Metropolitan Police. One of the victims is in his 70s and the other in his 30s; both are in stable condition in hospital. The suspect also attempted to stab officers detaining him.
First reports indicated the suspect was seen running along Golders Green Road armed with a knife. The Jewish security group Shomrim stated he was “attempting to stab Jewish members of the public.” According to Shomrim, the man was tackled by group members before police used a Taser and handcuffed him. The two stabbed individuals were treated by the Jewish volunteer ambulance service Hatzola.
The scene is approximately half a mile from a memorial wall where an attempted arson attack occurred on Monday, and near where four Jewish community ambulances were destroyed by fire in March. Laurence Taylor, head of counter-terrorism policing, said: “Whilst I must stress this investigation is at an early stage, we are working quickly to understand exactly what happened. Thank you to those who were in the area at the time and supported the response to this terrible incident.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated: “The antisemitic attack in Golders Green is utterly appalling. Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain. Thank you to Shomrim, Hatzola and the police for acting swiftly. Those responsible will be brought to justice.” Detectives are examining whether terrorism motivated the suspect and are also reviewing his mental health history. The attack has not yet been declared a terrorist incident, but senior counter-terrorism officials are considering that designation.
The Metropolitan Police said: “At 11:16 hrs on Wednesday 29 April, officers responded following reports of people stabbed in Highfield Avenue. Local officers and armed officers attended, alongside the London Ambulance Service. The suspect also attempted to stab police officers, and was Tasered before being arrested. No officers were injured. Two men – one in his 70s and one in his 30s – were treated at the scene for stab wounds. They have been taken to hospital and both are in a stable condition. A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He was taken into custody, where he remains. We are working to establish his nationality and background.”
These incidents are among several alleged attacks on Jewish sites in London in recent weeks. The Community Security Trust (CST) said: “There has been a knife attack today in Golders Green. The suspect has been arrested. We would like to thank @shomrimlondon, @Hatzola and @metpoliceuk for their swift response. We are working closely with the police and urge anyone with information to contact the police, Shomrim and CST immediately.”
The Board of Deputies of British Jews stated: “We are aware of a reported stabbing incident in Golders Green, with two injured. The police have apprehended a suspect. We are liaising with the CST, government and police to understand what has happened and ensure a forceful response.” London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “There has been an appalling attack on two Jewish Londoners in Golders Green.” He noted he is in close contact with the Metropolitan Police, which has stepped up high-visibility patrols in the area. Khan thanked emergency services and “heroic volunteers” for their response, adding: “London’s Jewish community have been the target of a series of shocking antisemitic attacks. There must be absolutely no place for antisemitism in society.”
Sarah Sackman, MP for Finchley and Golders Green, said: “Attacks on British Jews are an attack on Britain itself.” Catherine West, MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet, said: “The whole house will be very concerned to hear about the dreadful stabbings this morning in the borough of Barnet.” She expressed concern about “repeated violence against the Jewish community” and condemned the alleged attacks, wishing police and community services success in bringing perpetrators to justice. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp commented: “We have seen Iran sponsoring antisemitic attacks and Islamist extremism run rampant. The government must urgently step up tangible actions against antisemitism, Iran and Islamist extremism.”
