Police are investigating a suspected arson attack after an empty pram was deliberately set alight inside a block of flats in Golders Green, north London, where a significant number of Jewish families reside. The incident occurred in Bridge Lane at around 4am on Tuesday.
Incident Details
Residents reported seeing the culprit attempting to start a fire inside a communal stairwell of the building. One quick-thinking resident managed to douse the flames, which had triggered the fire alarms. The suspect is believed to have fled the scene after being challenged by residents.
Shomrim, a voluntary Jewish community patrol group, praised the actions of the resident, stating that they '[prevented] what could have been a far more serious incident.' In a social media statement, Shomrim added that volunteer officers had 'attended the scene and recovered evidence believed to belong to the suspect.'
Police Response
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are investigating the incident and that no arrests have been made so far. Anyone with information or CCTV footage is urged to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 986 of 02/06/26.
Context of Recent Attacks
The suspected arson attack follows a series of incidents targeting the Jewish community in north London, including Golders Green, in recent months. In March, four ambulances belonging to the Hatzola community ambulance service were firebombed. A month later, two Jewish men were stabbed in an alleged terror attack on Golders Green Road. Essa Suleiman, 45, has been charged with attempted murder in connection with that incident and is set to stand trial next year.
