Counter-Terror Police Probe Iranian Proxy Involvement in London Arsons
Counter-terrorism police are actively investigating whether a series of arson attacks targeting Jewish sites in north London have been carried out by Iranian proxies. This inquiry follows another attempted arson attack at a synagogue in north-west London, highlighting a concerning pattern of incidents.
Recent Incident at Kenton United Synagogue
The investigation was prompted after officers on deterrence and reassurance patrols discovered damage to a window of the Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow around midnight on Sunday. This occurred in the wake of previous similar attacks, raising alarms about coordinated efforts against Jewish and Israeli premises in the capital.
Similarities in Attacks and Online Claims
Vicki Evans, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, stated that the incidents have been similar in nature, consistently targeting Israeli and Jewish locations within London. She revealed that most of these attacks have been claimed online by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, also known as the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right.
This group has recently claimed responsibility for attacks across Europe, including at Jewish and Israeli sites, according to Ms Evans. She emphasized the police's commitment to addressing these threats, saying, I want to be clear, irrespective of the motivation of this group, to those who are facilitating this activity on their behalf and those who are committing the acts, we will not tolerate activity that seeks to intimidate and harm our communities, you will not succeed in creating division and hate.
Exploration of Iranian Links
As the conflict in the Middle East continues to evolve, counter-terrorism policing and its partners remain vigilant to the threat of Iranian hostile activity in the UK. Ms Evans noted, We are aware of public reporting that suggests this group may have links to Iran – as you would expect we will continue to explore that question as our investigation evolves. This indicates a focused effort to determine any international connections behind the attacks.
The police are working closely with other agencies to assess the situation and prevent further incidents. The ongoing probe underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating these arson attempts, aiming to protect communities and maintain public safety in London.
