Empty pram set alight in ‘attempted arson attack’ in Golders Green block of flats
Investigations remain ongoing as suspect flees after being confronted by Jewish residents who extinguished the blaze
Police are keeping an “open mind” as to the motive behind what was described by the Shomrim security group as an “attempted arson attack” inside a largely Jewish residential building in Golders Green overnight.
A suspect was spotted early in the morning, deliberately starting a fire in the communal stairwell of the Bridge Lane block of flats, home to many young Jewish families.
Alerted by a fire alarm, residents challenged the suspect who then fled and the fire was quickly extinguished. No injuries were reported.
Shomrim, which described the incident as an “attempted arson attack”, also said that “a resident acted swiftly to extinguish the fire, preventing what could have become a far more serious incident. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.”
The security group said it had attended the scene, recovering evidence believed to belong to the suspect, and is assisting local police with CCTV enquiries. Investigations remain ongoing.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told Jewish News: “Police were called at 04.52hrs on Tuesday, 2 June after an empty pram was set alight by a man inside a block of flats on Bridge Lane, Golders Green. The fire was quickly put out by members of the public. No injuries have been reported. No arrests have been made and officers are keeping an open mind as to the man’s motive.”
The incident comes after the attempted arson at Finchley Reform Synagogue, fires at Kenton United Synagogue and former Jewish charity buildings in Hendon, and Hatzola community ambulances torched in Golders Green.
Anyone with information or relevant CCTV footage is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 7231/02JUN, or Shomrim on 0300 999 1234.