Counter-terrorism police have assumed control of investigations into a series of arson attacks targeting Jewish community sites and a Persian-language media organisation critical of the Iranian regime. The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Thursday that specialist officers would be examining the incidents, noting significant similarities between them, although none have yet been formally classified as terrorist acts.
Three Coordinated Attacks Under Investigation
The investigation encompasses three separate incidents that occurred across northwest London. The first attack took place on March 23, when a volunteer-run Jewish ambulance service in Golders Green was targeted. This was followed by an attempted arson attack at a synagogue in Finchley during the early hours of Wednesday morning. The third incident occurred on Wednesday evening at approximately 8:30pm, when a petrol bomb was thrown at the London premises of Volant Media, which owns the UK-based broadcaster Iran International.
Social Media Claim and Police Response
While police maintain an open mind regarding the motivations behind these attacks, an Islamist group identifying itself as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (The Islamic Movement of the People of the Right Hand) has claimed responsibility for all three incidents through unsubstantiated social media posts. Metropolitan Police officials have emphasised that investigations are ongoing and multiple lines of enquiry are being pursued.
Footage circulating on social media appears to show the most recent attack on Iran International's offices, depicting a man in a tracksuit forcefully hurling an ignited container over a hedge. The device landed in a car park adjacent to the building, where the fire extinguished itself without causing damage or injuries.
Multiple Arrests Made Across London
Police have made significant progress in their investigations, resulting in multiple arrests across different London locations. Following the Iran International attack, officers identified suspects fleeing in a black SUV. An Armed Response Vehicle located a matching vehicle and initiated a pursuit after the driver failed to stop. The vehicle subsequently crashed on Ballards Lane near Woodberry Gardens junction.
Three individuals were arrested in connection with this incident: a 16-year-old boy, and two men aged 19 and 21. All were taken into police custody on suspicion of arson endangering life. Additionally, police have made arrests related to the other two attacks.
Previous Charges and Ongoing Investigations
Earlier this month, three individuals were charged in relation to these investigations: Hamza Iqbal, 20, and Rehan Khan, 19, both British nationals from Leyton, along with a 17-year-old dual British and Pakistani national from Walthamstow. They face charges of arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered. Another man was arrested on April 4 in connection with the ongoing probe.
For the Finchley synagogue attack, police arrested a 47-year-old woman at an address in Watford and a 46-year-old man in the Watford area. Both remain in custody on suspicion of arson endangering life. Regarding the Golders Green ambulance service attack, two 18-year-old men were arrested at separate addresses in East London, one on suspicion of committing arson and the other on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson.
Pattern of Threats Against Iranian Dissidents
The attacks occur against a backdrop of sustained threats against Iranian dissident media and journalists in the UK. Iran International TV was forced to relocate its operations to Washington DC in 2023 due to threats from Tehran and concerns for journalist safety. The Metropolitan Police had warned the broadcaster about "serious" and "grave" concerns regarding hostile intentions of foreign states.
Despite temporarily closing its Chiswick studios, the channel has since returned to the UK and is now based in north London. In 2024, prominent Iranian dissident journalist Pouria Zeraati, who works for Iran International, was attacked in south London by a two-man team who stabbed him in the leg before escaping in a waiting car. Zeraati required hospital treatment but was reported to be in stable condition.
Counter-Terrorism Policing Statement
Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, addressed the concerning pattern of attacks: "These incidents have happened against an operational backdrop of global instability and sustained and increasingly aggressive hostile activity on UK soil. Whilst these investigations are ongoing and we're progressing multiple lines of enquiry, I understand why our communities here in the UK will be concerned to learn of these arson attacks."
Evans continued: "We are now dealing with an unprecedented level of national security investigations with suspected links to foreign states, many of those with dangerous and often reckless intentions. I want to reassure our communities that Counter Terrorism Policing will be relentless in tracing those responsible for these acts of violence on our streets. If you are part of this activity, then know that you will be caught, and you will face justice."
Iran International TV released a statement condemning the attempted attack, noting it came "at a time of growing threats and intimidation directed at Iran International and those connected to its journalists." The broadcaster emphasised that its staff "refuse to be silenced by these cowardly threats."
