North-West London Arson Attack Investigated as Antisemitic Hate Crime
Counter-terrorism police are leading an investigation into a recent arson attack in north-west London, which is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime. The incident occurred in Hendon, Barnet, on Friday evening, and is part of a series of similar attacks that have targeted the Jewish community in the area.
Details of the Hendon Incident
According to the Metropolitan Police, a man was spotted approaching a row of shops carrying a plastic bag containing three bottles of fluid. He placed the bag by a building in Hendon before lighting the items inside. The man fled the scene when the items failed to fully ignite, resulting in only minor damage to the shopfront and no injuries. Police were called to the scene at 10.31pm, and fire crews also attended.
No arrests have been made in connection with this attack. A police cordon was established around the building, which is said to have been formerly used by the Jewish community. Armed response vehicles, counter-terrorism resources, and police motorbikes have been deployed to the area as part of the investigation.
Increased Security Measures
In response to the incident, a significantly increased number of uniformed and plain-clothed Metropolitan Police officers will be visible throughout the weekend. Extra stop and search powers have been granted across Barnet to enhance security and reassure the local community.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, stated, "We continue to work with our colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing who are leading the investigations into all of these incidents due to the similar circumstances and online claims of responsibility."
Series of Similar Attacks
This latest incident follows a pattern of arson attacks in north-west London. On March 23, four Jewish community ambulances were torched in Golders Green. Additionally, on Wednesday night, an ignited container was thrown into a Persian media organisation's premises in Wembley in an attempted arson attack.
Commander Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London noted, "At this stage last night’s arson is not being linked to other incidents in the north-west London area over the last week or last month’s arson in Golders Green, but counter-terrorism officers are leading due to the similarities of each attack."
Community Response and Concerns
Members of the Jewish community have been urged to remain calm amid the ongoing investigations. The Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing are engaging with Jewish community leaders and working to provide reassurance to Jewish places of worship and businesses.
A spokesperson for the Community Security Trust (CST), a British charity that provides safety to the Jewish community, said, "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." The CST is assisting police and urging people to report any suspicious activity immediately.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism highlighted the broader context, stating, "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."
A 26-year-old local resident expressed concern, telling the Press Association, "It’s getting too close to home now. It’s worrying that this sort of thing is happening at the moment."
Investigation Status
While the incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, it is not currently classified as a terrorist incident. However, counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation due to the similarities with other attacks and online claims of responsibility.
Commander Flanagan appealed for public assistance, saying, "I would ask that anyone with information or footage that could help our investigation gets in touch with police as soon as possible. We will be relentless in our pursuit of those responsible for this and other, similar, hateful acts against London’s communities."
