The suspect in the Golders Green stabbings, identified as Essa Suleiman, 45, was referred to the Prevent counter-terrorism scheme in 2020 but was cleared within six weeks. The attack, which left two Jewish men injured, is being treated as terrorism by the Metropolitan Police.
Suleiman was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder shortly after the stabbings on Wednesday and remains in custody. Police used a stun gun to subdue him. The victims are Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, with video appearing to show Shine attacked at a bus stop.
Counter-terrorism police confirmed the Prevent referral in 2020 was closed the same year. The scheme, which relies on voluntary reporting, aims to divert individuals from terrorism. The Met commissioner, Mark Rowley, stated Suleiman has a history of serious violence and mental health issues, including previous admissions to mental health hospitals.
The investigation, involving MI5, is at an early stage, but officers believe Suleiman acted alone. He previously worked as a Somali translator and security guard, and is registered at an address in south London. The attack followed a series of arson incidents targeting Jewish sites in London since March.
