A memorial wall in Golders Green, north London, has been targeted in a suspected arson attack. The Metropolitan Police reported receiving reports of a fire at the site on Limes Avenue on Monday, though the wall itself was not damaged. While counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation, the incident is not being treated as terrorism, the force said.
Background of attacks
This incident follows another alleged arson attack in late March, where four Jewish community ambulances were destroyed in Golders Green. This is part of a series of apparent attacks targeting Jewish sites. The memorial wall serves as a tribute to thousands of protesters killed in a crackdown in Iran in January and is located near a Jewish centre. A section of the wall is dedicated to those killed in the Hamas attack on the Nova music festival in Israel in 2023, while a recent statement of solidarity for the Jewish community has been attached to a nearby tree.
Police response
Police said the suspected arson attack occurred around 12:15 am on Monday and was reported later that day just before 7:30 pm. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams stated: “We recognise that this incident will heighten concerns in the Golders Green area, where residents have already faced a series of attacks. We are working closely with community organisations and leaders, and want to reassure them that our protective security operation continues. Our local officers are working closely with Counter Terror Policing to support their investigation. Since last month’s attack in Golders Green, we have stepped up our work to reassure communities. This includes armed police patrols as well as deployments of officers from Project Servator, who are specially trained to spot anyone who may be planning or preparing to commit criminal acts.”
Claim of responsibility
A group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right (Hayi), has claimed responsibility for the series of arson attacks on Jewish sites in north London, as well as an incident where drones were flown near the Israeli embassy. Two men arrested under terrorism laws over the drone incident have now been released from police custody. A 39-year-old man arrested on April 21 in Ealing, west London, under section 41 of the Terrorism Act, has been released with no further action. A second suspect, a 37-year-old man arrested in Devon on Sunday on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts, has been bailed until July.
Drone incident details
Grainy footage posted online showed a drone being flown in Kensington Park and reportedly crashing into a tree. Hayi claimed the drone carried hazardous substances, but this later proved untrue. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter-Terrorism Policing London, said: “Although these two men have been released from custody, our investigation into this incident continues. We appreciate the community remains very concerned about this, and other incidents that have targeted Jewish, Israeli or Iranian sites over recent weeks. We have made a total of 26 arrests across our various investigations and we continue to work to identify anyone who may have been involved.” Of the 26 people arrested, eight have been charged and one convicted. The two men arrested over the drone incident are the only suspects so far to have been detained under terrorism laws.
