Met commissioner and MP Sarah Sackman heckled after Golders Green terror attack
Cobra meeting called by PM as two Jewish men stabbed in North London
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and Finchley and Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman faced heckles and shouts of “shame” from some locals in Golders Green as they spoke to the media after the latest attack.
Courts Minister Sackman confirmed that the Prime Minister has called a Cobra meeting after two Jewish men were stabbed in north London.
Sir Mark, speaking from the scene alongside Sackman, confirmed Wednesday’s incident was being treated as a terrorist one, and said the suspected knifeman had “a history of serious violence and mental health issues.”
Sackman said: “I want to say this to everybody listening – specifically to the British Jewish community – an attack on Britain’s Jews is an attack on Britain itself.
“We cannot tolerate this. I’ve been with the home secretary just now. The prime minister has called a COBRA meeting. It speaks to just how serious this incident is and what we need to see.”
She added: “What happened on the streets of Golders Green today is appalling.”
“An attack on Britain’s Jews is an attack on Britain itself,” she added.
“We need to hear from the moderate majority who want to root this sort of hate out of our communities,” said Sackman.
As Rowley and Sackman made their statements from the cordon at the scene, one bystander shouted “protect the Jewish people” and another shouted “you support the Sharia.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also pledged that the Government will “strain every sinew” to keep Jewish people safe following the suspected terror attack in Golders Green.
Mahmood said she would not “tolerate a situation where our Jewish citizens have to lead smaller lives.”
Responding to the suspected terror attack in Golders Green, the Home Secretary told broadcasters: “I’m very clear, our Jewish community are a part of our community here in the United Kingdom and I want them to feel safe.
“I do not want Jewish people in our country to be leading a smaller life or to have to build ever higher walls in order to keep themselves safe.
“These are not warm words, they are a statement of intent and what is and what is not acceptable in our country.
“I will not tolerate a situation where our Jewish citizens have to lead smaller lives compared to the rest of us. That is not acceptable to me.”
Asked about possible ties to Iran, the Home Secretary told broadcasters: “It’s very early to say what the motivations of this attacker may have been and it would be improper for me to speculate whilst the facts are being established.
“But as soon as more facts are established, then we will of course be keeping the public updated.”
Rowley said: “The 45 year old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and remains in custody following a check up at the local hospital. He has a history of serious violence and mental health issues, and that investigation continues.”
He went on to praise his officers for confronting the suspect, whom they believed might be carrying an explosive device. “My first thoughts are with the two British Jews who were attacked whilst going about their daily lives—something they should be able to do freely and safely in their own community.
“I also want to pay tribute to my officers, who arrived within minutes and whose actions undoubtedly prevented further injury and saved lives. Before coming here today, I met with them.
“They’re nothing short of extraordinary. They confronted a man they believed to be a terrorist, who refused to show his hands, was violent, and continued to pose a clear threat.
“These were not armed officers, and they feared he was carrying an explosive device. Using only their training, their courage, and their tasers, they managed to detain him while he continued to try to attack and stab them.
“They will tell you they were simply doing their jobs, but without their bravery, I dread to think what the outcome would have been. I also want to recognise the extraordinary voluntary first responders from the community, including the Shomrim.”
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch later arrived at the scene.
In a statement she said: “Jewish people in our country are under constant attack. This is no longer a growing pattern. There is an epidemic of violence against Jewish people. It is now a national emergency and needs to be treated as such by the Government and public authorities.”
The man who was stabbed on Highfield Avenue in Golders Green on Wednesday is “a terrific guy”, his friend has said.
Eli V, 42, a friend of the younger victim who did not want to give his last name, told the Press Association: “I knew one of the victims through the community. I run an institution on this road. It is shocking to be honest.”
He added: “He’s a terrific guy. We are a very close community. We know everyone.
“You don’t find this community anywhere else in the world. Everyone knows everyone. I have got the most beautiful messages from a lot of people.
“It is beautiful to see the pouring of love that does come from the community around us but we are insecure.
“My wife is scared to leave home.”
He said the younger victim was from north London.
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