The suspect in the Golders Green stabbing attack has been identified as Essa Suleiman, a 45-year-old man with a history of serious violence and mental health issues. He was referred to the Prevent counter-terrorism scheme in 2020, but the case was closed within six weeks after being assessed as not posing a terrorist threat.
Suleiman was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder shortly after the attack on Wednesday and remains in custody. The Metropolitan Police are treating the incident as terrorism, investigating whether the suspect targeted Jewish people. The victims, Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, were stabbed in Golders Green, north-west London.
Police used a stun gun to subdue Suleiman. The attack follows a series of arson incidents targeting Jewish sites in London since March, including two in Golders Green. Counter-terrorism officials are exploring possible ideological motives, including links to Iran-backed groups or Islamic State.
Suleiman, born in February 1981, came to the UK as a child and has worked as a Somali translator and security guard. He has been registered at an address in south London. The investigation by counter-terrorism police and MI5 is in its early stages, but officers believe he likely acted alone.
