Counter Terrorism Policing update on various arson attacks in north west London

Counter Terrorism Policing are investigating three separate arson attacks that have occurred in north west London over recent days and weeks. Multiple arrests in the past 24 hours have now been made in connection with all three incidents.

The incidents which are being investigated by CTP are:

• an arson attack on volunteer-led ambulances run by the Jewish community in Golders Green, which occurred on Monday, 23 March
• an attempted arson attack at a synagogue in Finchley at around 00:10hrs on Wednesday, 15 April
• an arson attack on the offices of a Persian Language media organisation in north west London at approximately 20:30hrs on Wednesday, 15 April

Due to the nature and circumstances of the three incidents, they are all now being investigated by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London. None of the incidents have been declared as terrorist incidents, and officers retain an open mind in respect of any motivation behind any of the attacks.

While all three incidents are being treated as separate incidents, the similarity with all three being arsons, and the nature of the buildings and locations of the incidents has been factored into to the decision for CTP London to investigate all three incidents.

In addition, we are aware of speculation about an incident at the Embassy of Israel in London yesterday (Wednesday, 15 April).

There has been no incident at that location, but we can confirm we have been liaising with security teams there in relation to potential security issues.

Staff have been given appropriate safety advice and support is ongoing.

Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing Vicki Evans said:

“These incidents have happened against an operational backdrop of global instability and sustained and increasingly aggressive hostile activity on UK soil.

“Whilst these investigations are ongoing and we’re progressing multiple lines of enquiry, I understand why our communities here in the UK will be concerned to learn of these arson attacks.

“We are now dealing with an unprecedented level of national security investigations with suspected links to foreign states, many of those with dangerous and often reckless intentions.

“I want to reassure our communities that Counter Terrorism Policing will be relentless in tracing those responsible for these acts of violence on our streets.

“If you are part of this activity, then know that you will be caught, and you will face justice.

“Anyone with information about any of the incidents this week, please speak to the police.”

As always, police are asking the public to remain vigilant and to contact police if you are concerned and feel something isn’t right – either by calling police on 0800 789 321 or visit www.gov.uk/ACT. IN an emergency always, dial 999.

Arson attack at Persian-Language media organisation:

In relation to the incident at the premises of a Persian language media organisation, three men have been arrested. At around 20:30hrs on Wednesday, 15 April, officers on proactive patrols in north west London were informed of the incident where an ignited container had been thrown into the premises.

The container landed in a carpark, where the fire immediately put itself out. No damage was reported and there were no injuries.

Urgent enquiries were carried out and it was established that the suspects had left the area in a black SUV.

A police Armed Response Vehicle (ARV), which was in the area located a vehicle matching this description and began a pursuit when the driver failed to stop for police. It later crashed on Ballards Lane, close to the junction with Woodberry Gardens, N12. Due to initial concerns around possible items in the vehicle some buildings in the immediate area were evacuated as a precaution, although it was quickly established there was no wider risk.

Three males - aged 16, 19 and 21- were arrested on suspicion of arson endangering life and taken into police custody where they remain.

Arson attack in Golders Green Hatzola Ambulances

Earlier this morning (16 April), officers also made two further arrests in connection with the Golders Green ambulance attack.

Two 18-year-old men [G and H] were arrested at two separate addresses in East London. Officers are also carrying out searches at those locations.

One man [G] was on suspicion of committing arson with intent to endanger life and the other [H] was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. Both have been taken to a London police station where they remain in police custody.

Three other people [C,D and E] have already been charged in connection with the incident and another man [F] was also previously arrested on 4 April in connection with this investigation.

Finchley Synagogue Attack

Two people were arrested in connection with an attempted arson attack at a synagogue in Finchley which occurred at approximately 00:10hrs on Wednesday 15 April in Fallows Court Avenue.

At 16:47hrs on Wednesday, 15 April, police arrested a 47-year-old woman at an address in Watford on suspicion of arson endangering life.

At 19:15hrs, officers arrested a 46-year-old man in the Watford area on suspicion of arson endangering life.

Both suspects remain in police custody and enquiries continue.