Police are investigating a suspected arson attack at a memorial wall in north London, Scotland Yard has confirmed. The incident occurred in Golders Green, near a Jewish centre, and is being led by counter-terrorism policing, but it is not being treated as a terrorist incident. No arrests have been made, and the memorial wall itself was not damaged.
Details of the Incident
The memorial wall serves as a tribute to thousands of protesters killed during a crackdown in Iran in January. Ali Vahedi, a volunteer from the Miga Rally community group that established the memorial and organizes security, expressed growing concerns. "Last week a drone was here, people come and throw things like tomatoes and now last night, after this fire happened, it is getting more dangerous," he said. "We started security here three months ago because we did not feel safe."
Initially, police believed the fire was caused by a candle, but CCTV footage revealed a person using a liquid to attempt to start a blaze. Vahedi added: "The fire started from the end of the table and it spread everywhere. We are lucky someone saw the fire and stopped it. Now we have the same feeling as the Jewish community. We are not safe."
Broader Context of Attacks
Over the past month, counter-terrorism officers have arrested more than two dozen people in connection with attacks on Jewish-linked premises. This includes the torching of ambulances belonging to the Jewish volunteer emergency service Hatzola in Golders Green on 23 March. The Metropolitan police reported that the suspected arson at the memorial wall occurred around 12:15 am on Monday and was reported just before 7:30 pm that day.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams stated: "We recognise that this incident will heighten concerns in the Golders Green area, where residents have already faced a series of attacks. We are working closely with community organisations and leaders, and want to reassure them that our protective security operation continues."
Police Response and Claims of Responsibility
Local officers are collaborating with counter-terrorism policing on the investigation. Williams added: "Since last month’s attack in Golders Green, we have stepped up our work to reassure communities. This includes armed police patrols as well as deployments of officers from Project Servator, who are specially trained to spot anyone who may be planning or preparing to commit criminal acts."
A group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right (Hayi), has claimed responsibility for a series of arson attacks on Jewish sites in north London, as well as an incident where drones were flown near the Israeli embassy. Two men arrested under terrorism laws over the embassy incident have since been released from police custody.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of counter-terrorism policing London, said: "Although these two men have been released from custody, our investigation into this incident continues. We appreciate the community remains very concerned about this and other incidents that have targeted Jewish, Israeli or Iranian sites over recent weeks. We have made a total of 26 arrests across our various investigations and we continue to work to identify anyone who may have been involved."
Of the 26 people arrested, eight have been charged and one convicted.
