Jewish Community Urged to Stay Calm After Third London Arson Attack in a Month
Counter-terrorism police are investigating an arson attack in north-west London, with community leaders urging members of the Jewish community to remain calm during the ongoing investigation. The incident occurred in Hendon on Friday evening, marking what appears to be the third attack targeting Jewish premises in the capital within a single month.
Details of the Hendon Attack
According to the Metropolitan Police, a man was spotted approaching a row of shops carrying a plastic bag that was later found to contain three bottles of fluid. The individual placed the bag by a building in Hendon before attempting to ignite the items inside. When the contents failed to fully catch fire, the man fled the scene. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Police were called to the scene at 10.31pm on Friday, with fire crews also attending. A police cordon remained in place around the building on Saturday afternoon. The premises is reported to have been formerly used by the Jewish community.
Community Response and Heightened Concerns
A spokesperson for the Community Security Trust (CST) stated: "We are aware of what appears to be another attempted arson, this time targeting a premises in north London previously used by the Jewish community. It caused minimal damage to a nearby doorway and no injuries."
The CST emphasized they are working closely with police to assist the investigation and support the Jewish community, urging people to remain calm and report any suspicious activity immediately to police on 999, followed by contacting CST.
A 26-year-old local resident told the Press Association: "It's getting too close to home now. It's worrying that this sort of thing is happening at the moment."
Pattern of Attacks and Police Investigation
Commander Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London confirmed that while last night's arson is not currently being linked to other incidents in the north-west London area over the past week or to last month's arson in Golders Green, counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation due to similarities between the attacks.
"I would ask that anyone with information or footage that could help our investigation gets in touch with police as soon as possible," Commander Flanagan stated. "We will be relentless in our pursuit of those responsible for this and other, similar, hateful acts against London's communities."
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, acknowledged community concerns: "Since the incident in Golders Green last month we have spoken extensively to community leaders. I understand and appreciate their concerns, and I know this latest incident will add to fears in the community."
Recent Context and Security Measures
This latest incident follows two previous attacks:
- Four Jewish community ambulances were torched in Golders Green in the early hours of March 23
- An "ignited container" was thrown into a Persian media organisation's premises in Wembley in an attempted arson attack on Wednesday night
The Campaign Against Antisemitism commented: "This is yet another arson attack which appears to be targeting the Jewish community – it is the third in a month as we witness a worldwide pattern of attacks. It is unclear to what extent, if any, they are being co-ordinated."
In response to the escalating situation, police have implemented enhanced security measures:
- Heightened police presence in affected areas
- Increased police patrols and vigilance since last month's Golders Green attack
- Armed police patrols in certain locations
- Deployments of officers from Project Servator, specially trained to spot potential criminal planning
Detective Chief Superintendent Williams confirmed: "Local officers are working closely with Counter Terrorism Policing to support the investigation. The community can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area."
While Counter Terrorism Policing London is leading the investigation with support from the Met's north-west command area, authorities have clarified that the incident is not currently being treated as a terrorist incident and is not being linked to other incidents in the area at this stage.
