UPDATE: Barnet stabbing being treated as terrorism

Statement from Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations Laurence Taylor:

Earlier today, police responded to a horrifying attack on the streets of London.

My thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by what happened.

I would like to praise the bravery of the police officers and members of the public who were at the scene and responded.

At 11.16 this morning, two men – aged 76 and 34 – were attacked on Highfield Avenue in Barnet.

They suffered stab wounds in the attack and are now being looked after in hospital.

Metropolitan Police officers responding to the incident, were also attacked, leading to the Tasering and arrest of a 45-year-old man.

He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in police custody.

Counter Terrorism Policing London are leading the investigation.

I can also confirm that this has now formally been declared a terrorist incident.

Our highly specialised teams of officers are working with the Metropolitan Police to progress the investigation quickly - and establish exactly what has happened.

We are also working with the security services, to ensure we have a full intelligence picture.

One of the lines of enquiry is whether this attack was deliberately targeting the Jewish community in London.

That community are strong, but they will be incredibly concerned to see and hear what has happened today, particularly in the wake of other incidents in recent weeks.

That concern will be felt not just in the capital, but in communities and homes across the UK.

I want to make it clear that Counter Terrorism Policing and police forces are mobilising to provide additional support and reassurance and we request that the public are vigilant and stand alongside communities who may be feeling worried this evening.

Please report anything that doesn’t feel right and be alert to what is happening where you live.

Information you share, can make a difference.