A 41-year-old Iranian man is fighting for his life in hospital after he was allegedly struck by a vehicle in Golders Green, north London, following an altercation on the street. The incident occurred shortly before 8:30 pm on Wednesday night, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.
Emergency Response
The Metropolitan Police were called to the NW11 area after reports that a car had knocked down a man. Officers arrived at the scene alongside Shomrim volunteers and paramedics from Hatzola and the London Ambulance Service. The victim, an Iranian national, was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Police arrested a 39-year-old Iraqi man in connection with the incident. He was detained on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and failing to provide a drugs sample. The suspect remains in police custody while investigations continue.
Investigation Details
Police have confirmed that the incident is not being treated as a terrorist attack. The investigation is being handled by officers from the Met's Serious Collision Investigation Unit. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in north west London, acknowledged that the incident would cause significant concern in the local community.
“We know that this incident will cause significant concerns in the local community and residents can expect a continued police presence throughout the night,” he said. “Detectives are working quickly to establish the circumstances and I would urge anyone with information to get in touch with us.”
Williams also addressed footage circulating on social media showing the collision. “We would discourage the public from sharing both due to the graphic nature of the footage and to protect the integrity of the investigation,” he added.
Appeal for Information
Anyone with information or video footage relating to the incident is urged to contact police by dialling 101, quoting CAD 8355/27MAY, or by submitting details via the Met's website. Anonymous tip-offs can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers by ringing 0800 555 111.
Earlier on Wednesday, around 100 firefighters were deployed to tackle a substantial fire behind a Jewish supermarket in Golders Green. Police and fire crews were pictured at the scene, but it is unclear if the two incidents are related.
