A suspected terrorist who stabbed two Jewish men in north London has a history of serious violence and mental health issues, Britain's most senior police officer has confirmed. Sir Mark Rowley told journalists in Golders Green that two police officers who Tasered and arrested the 45-year-old knifeman believed he had a bomb when they confronted him on Wednesday.
The attack, which occurred at around 11.15am, has been formally declared a terrorist incident. Two Jewish men, aged 76 and 34, were stabbed in the assault. Jewish leaders have called for tougher action on antisemitic violence following the double stabbing.
Speaking outside Scotland Yard, head of counter terrorism policing Laurence Taylor confirmed the declaration. He stated: 'This has now formally been declared a terrorist incident. Our highly specialised teams of officers are working with the Metropolitan Police to progress this investigation quickly and establish exactly what has happened.'
Taylor added: 'We're also working with our partners in the security services to ensure we have a full intelligence picture, and one of the lines of inquiry is whether this attack was deliberately targeting the Jewish community in London.'
The suspect's background includes prior incidents of violence and ongoing mental health struggles, raising questions about how such individuals are monitored. The Metropolitan Police are continuing their investigation, with counter terrorism officers taking the lead.
