Statement on recent arson attacks in north west London

A statement from Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes:

"Our colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing are investigating three separate arson attacks in north west London, and multiple arrests have now been made in connection with all three incidents.

"These incidents include the arson attack on volunteer‑led ambulances run by the Jewish community in Golders Green on Monday 23 March; an attempted arson attack at a synagogue in Finchley shortly after midnight on Wednesday 15 April; and an arson attack on the offices of a Persian‑language media organisation in north west London on the evening of Wednesday 15 April.

"During the latest incident at the Persian‑language media organisation, an ignited container was thrown towards the premises. It landed in a car park, where the fire quickly extinguished itself. Fortunately, there were no injuries and no damage reported.

"Officers responded immediately and three people - a 16-year-old male and two men, aged 19 and 21, were arrested quickly on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remain in police custody.

"Following the attack on a synagogue in Finchley yesterday morning, two people – a 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man – have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remain in police custody while enquiries continue.

"In relation to the Golders Green attack, two further arrests have been made this morning bringing the total number of arrests to eight, with three people already charged.

"Separately we are aware of speculation about an incident at the Israeli Embassy in London yesterday.

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

"While none of these incidents have been declared as terrorism at this stage, officers are keeping an open mind regarding motivation. Given the nature of the locations involved and the similarities between the offences, Counter Terrorism Policing is leading these investigations supported by officers across the Met.

"I want to speak directly about the impact on our communities.

"London’s Jewish communities and the Iranian diaspora in London have, in recent years, been increasingly targeted by individuals, groups and hostile states intent on spreading fear, hate and harm. Against a backdrop of global instability, sustained conflict overseas and heightened tensions here at home, I fully understand why recent and previous events will be deeply worrying.

"In recent weeks, across the capital, we have stepped up thousands of additional officer shifts to keep Londoners safe. This includes additional resources into investigations leading to the arrest of 28 people for hate crimes, particularly those who target the Jewish community.

"Let me also be absolutely clear about this message. We have seen racist and antisemitic hate crimes, and without commenting on live cases, we know that some individuals are being persuaded or paid to act on behalf of foreign organisations and states.

"If you act out of hatred, racism or antisemitism, we will come after you and you will face the consequences.

"If you believe you can make quick and easy money by committing crimes for others, you will be shown to be wrong.

"The consequences will be severe and far beyond those for everyday criminality. If you are acting for others, understand this: they will drop you instantly, and you will face justice alone.

"London is an inclusive and diverse city. In the hours and days after the attack on the Jewish community in Golders Green three weeks ago, we saw communities come together in solidarity to reject hate and violence. I know that as we face this sustained threat, we continue to do so together.

"Let me close with three simple messages.

"First: Londoners should not live in fear or change their daily way of life to feel safe – but this is not the reality for too many Londoners today.

"Second: we are responding with the highest level of sustained operational commitment.

"Third: we stand with our communities — not just in words, but in visible, daily action."