Former Royal Marines and veterans of the Parachute Regiment will reportedly be deployed to protect synagogues and Jewish schools in the wake of a stabbing attack in Golders Green, north west London. The move comes as antisemitic violence grips the country, with a spate of attacks in Jewish neighbourhoods in recent weeks.
Government Raises Terrorism Threat Level
The series of incidents prompted the government to raise the UK terrorism threat level from 'substantial' to 'severe' on Thursday, meaning another attack is now considered 'highly likely'. The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, which is based in MI5 but makes independent assessments, previously set the threat level at 'substantial', indicating an attack was 'likely'. According to The Times, the deployment of former marines is believed to cost tens of thousands of pounds.
Met Police Commissioner Calls for Urgent Funding
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said that Jews were facing a 'ghastly Venn diagram' of hate from all sides, and warned that antisemitism is a growing threat to their safety due to social media. In an interview with The Times, he revealed he has requested urgent funding to recruit 300 officers to protect the Jewish community, with plans for a dedicated group of police to patrol north west London.
Suspect Charged with Attempted Murder
Essa Suleiman, a 45-year-old British national born in Somalia who came to the UK legally as a child in the 1990s, has been charged following the stabbings. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, charged with three counts of attempted murder and one count of possessing a bladed article in a public place. The court heard that the defendant was staying at an address in south east London which provides supported accommodation to people leaving a secure hospital. The area is covered by the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, which has confirmed he was under the care of their mental health services earlier this week.
Police Urge Against Speculation
Announcing the charges on Friday morning, Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: 'Our thoughts remain with the victims involved, and specialist officers continue to provide them with support as their recovery continues. We are determined to get justice for the victims, and now that a person has been charged, I would urge everyone to avoid any further speculation in relation to this case so that justice can run its course.'
