A terrorist incident has been declared after two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, north London. A 76-year-old and a 34-year-old suffered knife wounds and have been taken to hospital, following the attack at around 11.16am on Highfield Avenue. A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and was Tasered after he allegedly tried to stab police officers.
Witness Accounts and Community Response
Jewish neighbourhood watch group Shomrim reported that a man was seen running along Golders Green Road armed with a knife and “attempting to stab Jewish members of the public.” He was reportedly detained by members of the public before police arrived. Jewish ambulance service Hatzola also took one person to hospital.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the “utterly appalling” attack and vowed that “those responsible will be brought to justice.” Jewish charity the Community Security Trust (CST) said it was working closely with the police and urged anyone with information to contact the police, Shomrim and CST immediately.
Suspect’s Background
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley stated that the man arrested “has a history of serious violence and mental health issues.” He described the attack as another “horrendous act of violence” directed at Jewish communities that will “rightly shock and anger people across London.”
Home Secretary’s Statement
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she would “strain every sinew” to keep Jewish people safe following the “horrifying” suspected terror attack. She told broadcasters: “I’m very clear, our Jewish community are a part of our community here in the United Kingdom and I want them to feel safe. I do not want Jewish people in our country to be leading a smaller life or to have to build ever higher walls in order to keep themselves safe.”
When asked about possible ties to Iran, Mahmood said it was too early to speculate on the attacker’s motivations. She emphasised that the government takes the security of the community “very seriously” and will maintain an enhanced police presence.
Political Reaction
Local MP and justice minister Sarah Sackman addressed an angry crowd, saying: “An attack on Britain's Jews is an attack on Britain itself. We cannot tolerate this. The prime minister has called a COBRA meeting. It speaks to just how serious this incident is.”
Commissioner Rowley faced heckling from bystanders who shouted “shame on you” and “resign” as he spoke at the scene. He paid tribute to the bravery of police officers who confronted the suspect, who they feared was carrying an explosive device.
The incident occurred not far from where four Hatzola ambulances were set on fire in an antisemitic hate crime on Highfield Road in April. There has been a string of arson attacks targeting Jewish sites in north London.
