Golders Green incident ‘NOT believed to be antisemitism or terror related’

Police have reassured the Jewish community that an incident in Golders Green on Tuesday which saw the main road cornered off and numerous emergency vehicles in attendance is NOT believed to have been motivated by antisemitism.

Video footage seen by Jewish News on Tuesday afternoon shows numerous police vans in the heart of Jewish north London, as an empty road is cut off with yellow tape. The fire brigade is also reportedly in attendance.

Authorities confirmed that one man was detained by police and no members of the public were injured.

Barnet police tweeted an update one hour after it was first reported, saying: “Police were called at 12.28 to The Riding #GoldersGreen #NW11 to a report of a concern for safety. Officers attended and found a man with a vehicle. The man is believed to have set fire to an object before being detained.”

“No members of the public or officers are believed to have been injured. Enquiries are ongoing. The man was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences. As a precaution, nearby roads have been closed.”

The Community Security Trust tweeted the “incident in Golders Green this afternoon appears NOT terror related. We thank the emergency services for their constant vigilance and work.”

A spokesperson for Shomrim North West London, the local Jewish neighbourhood watch group, said: “Police have been liaising with Shomrim NW London throughout the incident”.

At this time police have confirmed although the incident is took place with close proximity to a local shul, it is not believed to be terror/antisemitism related. The man involved has been detained by police safety and no members of the public have been injured.”

There was a large precautionary response from emergency services which may still be on scene for some time whilethe area is made safe.”

Police have asked Shomrim NW London to reassure the community with the above and request that the community refrain from approaching the police cordon at this time. The cordon will be removed at the earliest opportunity.”

One eyewitness told Jewish News: “There were lots of police of different varieties and a chopper going overheard. The road has been cordoned off from Ravenscroft to Be Kosher and we have seen riot police and numerous unmarked cars. The police have said it is a “life and death situation” but we have not heard more information.”

Footage shows emergency services arriving in Golders Green: