Two arrested over arson attack near Golders Green memorial as terror probe intensifies
Arrests follow suspected arson near memorial linked to Iran protests and Nova victims amid rising security concerns
Two people have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire was started next to a memorial in Golders Green, as counter-terror police continue to investigate a series of incidents affecting Jewish areas in north-west London.
Officers from Metropolitan Police confirmed that a 46-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman were detained in Romford on Monday morning. Both remain in custody at a London police station.
The arrests relate to an incident on 27 April in which a cabinet close to a community memorial wall was set alight. The wall itself was not damaged.
The site has become a focal point for solidarity and remembrance, featuring images of protesters killed during the Iranian government’s crackdown earlier this year, alongside tributes to victims of the 7 October attacks at the Nova music festival in Israel. A separate message expressing support for the Jewish community had also been placed nearby.
Commander Helen Flanagan said police were continuing to prioritise protecting communities affected by recent incidents.
“We are committed to protecting vulnerable communities in the capital,” she said.
She added that Counter Terrorism Policing was actively investigating multiple events in the area following the firebombing of Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green in March.
“(Counter Terrorism Policing) London is working on a number of investigations into incidents that have taken place in north west London since the attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green in March,” Flanagan said.
“We have made a total of 30 arrests, and nine people have been charged.
“Counter-terrorism officers continue to work closely with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police in response to the various incidents.
“We’re providing protective security advice and support to various organisations, community venues and businesses.”
The developments come amid heightened concern across the Jewish community following a spate of attacks in recent weeks.
Last week, two Jewish men were injured in a stabbing in Golders Green. A suspect, 45-year-old Essa Suleiman, has been charged with three counts of attempted murder. He also faces allegations of attacking a man known to him in Southwark on the same day.
In a separate move, the UK’s terror threat level was raised from “substantial” to “severe” for the first time in more than four years.
Security minister Dan Jarvis said the decision was “not solely as a result” of the Golders Green stabbing, citing “an increase in broader Islamist and extreme right-wing” threats.
Police said inquiries into the arson incident are ongoing, with searches continuing at an address in Romford.
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