Police have issued a major update into a stabbing attack in Golders Green, north London, where two men were injured, and are now investigating a possible link to an earlier incident reported earlier today.
Arrest and Injuries
A 45-year-old man, a British national born in Somalia, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two men were stabbed in Highfield Avenue. The suspect initially received medical treatment but has since been discharged and taken to a London police station, where he remains in custody.
Local and armed officers responded to the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service. The suspect also attempted to stab police officers and was Tasered before being taken into custody. No officers were injured.
The two victims, aged 76 and 34, were treated at the scene for stab wounds and taken to hospital, where they remain in a stable condition.
Terrorism Declaration and Investigation
The attack in Golders Green has been formally declared a terrorist incident. Officers are conducting a search at an address in southeast London as part of the investigation.
Detectives are also looking into an earlier incident reported to police in southeast London on the same day. It is believed the suspect in that incident is the same individual arrested in Golders Green.
Earlier Incident Details
Police were called at approximately 8.50am on 29 April to an address in Great Dover Street, SE1. The suspect, reportedly armed with a knife, is believed to have had an altercation with the occupant before leaving. The occupant sustained minor injuries, and police arrived within about six minutes of the call. Officers searched the local area but did not locate the suspect. Further enquiries at an address linked to the suspect also failed to find him.
Police Statement
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "The focus of the investigation team remains on securing justice for the victims of this terrible attack. Detectives are keen to hear from anyone who may have information about this incident that could assist the investigation. Anyone with information can call police, in confidence, on 0800 555 111, or report it via www.gov.uk/ACT."
"CTP officers continue to work closely with Met Police colleagues in response to this latest attack, as well as various other recent arson incidents. A significant policing operation has been in place to provide reassurance and deterrence, which has been further enhanced following today’s incident using both highly visible and other specialist police resources."
