A man is fighting for his life after being struck by a car in Golders Green, north London, on Wednesday evening. Emergency services rushed to Golders Green Road shortly after 8.20pm following reports of a collision involving a car and a pedestrian.
The victim, a 41-year-old Iranian national, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. A 39-year-old Iraqi national was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, serious injury by dangerous driving, and failing to provide a drug sample. He remains in custody.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the incident is being investigated by the Serious Collision Investigation Unit and is not being treated as terror-related. A police spokesperson urged the public not to share or view footage of the incident circulating on social media, but asked anyone with information to come forward.
Police Appeal for Information
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said: 'We know that this incident will cause significant concerns in the local community and residents can expect a continued police presence throughout the night. Detectives are working to quickly establish the circumstances and I would urge anyone with information to get in touch with us.'
He added: 'We are aware of videos circulating on social media appearing to show the collision and those involved. We would discourage the public from sharing both due to the graphic nature of the footage and to protect the integrity of the investigation.'
The volunteer neighbourhood security group Shomrim and non-profit emergency medical service Hatzolah accompanied police and the London Ambulance Service at the scene. Shomrim posted on X that the incident is currently being treated as a road traffic collision and has not been classified as an antisemitic incident by the Metropolitan Police.
Separate Fire on Same Road
Earlier on Wednesday morning, the London Fire Brigade attended a fire on the same road. Calls were received at around 6.47am concerning a blaze behind the supermarket Kosher Kingdom. The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault and is not being treated as suspicious. No injuries were reported.
The London Fire Brigade stated: 'Firefighters are currently responding to a fire on Golders Green Road in Golders Green. The fire has occurred in a building which is three storeys, with a shop on the ground floor and premises above. The fire is producing a significant amount of smoke, and we’re advising people in the area to keep their windows and doors shut at this time.'
The fire is now under control, with crews remaining on scene to fully extinguish it.
Context of Recent Incidents
Golders Green has been in the headlines frequently following a series of alleged antisemitic attacks in the area, including an alleged arson attack on a Jewish ambulance service in March.
Anyone with information or video footage of the collision is urged to contact the police on 101, quoting CAD 8355/27MAY, or visit the Met's website. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
