Counter terror police are today investigating yet another arson attack in a predominantly Jewish area of London.
Detectives are probing an attempt to set fire to a memorial wall dedicated to the fallen victims of the Iranian regime, in Golders Green.
Police were called at 7.28pm on Monday and the investigation is now being led by Counter Terror Policing, Scotland Yard has said.
The memorial wall itself was not damaged – but has been sealed off.
The investigation into the incident is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London, supported by officers from the North West Command Area.
It is not being treated as a terrorist incident and officers are keeping an open mind about the motive behind the attack, the Met said.
No arrests have been made at this time.
Detectives are probing an attempt to set fire to a memorial wall dedicated to the fallen victims of the Iranian regime, in Golders Green, last night. It has been sealed off (pictured last night)
The wall (pictured in February) is a shrine to the thousands of protesters were killed by the regime in Iran earlier this year
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in north west London, said: ‘We recognise that this incident will heighten concerns in the Golders Green area, where residents have already faced a series of attacks.
‘We are working closely with community organisations and leaders, and want to reassure them that our protective security operation continues. Our local officers are working closely with Counter Terror Policing to support their investigation.
‘Since last month’s attack in Golders Green, we have stepped up our work to reassure communities. This includes armed police patrols as well as deployments of officers from Project Servator, who are specially trained to spot anyone who may be planning or preparing to commit criminal acts.’
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting CAD 7308/27Apr, or independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Yesterday counter-terror police arrested a suspect close to an isolated Devon market town over a series of attacks on the Jewish community in London.
A 37-year-old man was held by the Met Police on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts at an address close to Barnstaple on Sunday night.
He has been taken 210 miles to London for questioning. He has been bailed.
The suspect, who has not been named, is the 26th person to be arrested since the firebombing of Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green, two synagogues in north-west London and the former premises of a Jewish charity.
There were also jars containing a powdered substance left in Kensington Gardens close to the Israeli Embassy – as well as a drone incursion – and an attack on a Persian-language media organisation opposed to the Iranian regime in the capital in recent weeks.
Pro-Iranian group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia – the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right – has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
The latest arrest came after an arson attack on volunteer-led Jewish community ambulances were set alight in Golders Green
There have been arson attacks on Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green, north-west London, a synagogue and a former Jewish charity, as well as an incident where a drone was flown near the Israeli embassy.
The Golders Green firebombing caused gas canisters stored in the ambulances to explode, with the force from the blast causing windows to break in a block of flats close by.
The synagogue, one of Europe’s oldest, had its roof damaged and stained glass windows smashed in the fire. There were no injuries.
Counter-terror police have been looking into the possible involvement of Iranian proxies.
Premises linked to people opposing the Iranian regime have also been targeted, the Met said last week.
An attempted arson attack was also carried out on April 15 at Finchley Reform Synagogue, and at about 8.30pm outside the offices of a Persian media company, both in north-west London.
On Tuesday, a 17-year-old boy pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to arson not endangering life following the attack on Kenton United Synagogue.
