Jewish community urged to ‘remain calm’ after another arson attack

Members of the Jewish community are being urged to “remain calm” as counter-terror police investigate an arson attack in north-west London.

A man was spotted on Friday evening approaching a row of shops carrying a plastic bag later found to contain three bottles of fluid, the Metropolitan Police said.

He placed the bag by a building in Hendon before lighting the items inside, it added.

When they failed to fully ignite, the man fled the scene, the force said.

No arrests have been made.

A police cordon was in place around a building, said to be formerly used by the Jewish community, on Saturday afternoon.

A 26-year-old man who lives nearby told the Press Association: “It’s getting too close to home now.

“It’s worrying that this sort of thing is happening at the moment.”

A Community Security Trust (CST) spokesperson said: “We are aware of what appears to be another attempted arson, this time targeting a premises in north London previously used by the Jewish community.

“It caused minimal damage to a nearby doorway and no injuries.

“We are working closely with police to assist their investigation and to support the Jewish community.

“We urge people to remain calm and to report any suspicious activity, at any time of day or night, to police immediately on 999 and then to CST.”

The Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “This is yet another arson attack which appears to be targeting the Jewish community – it is the third in a month as we witness a worldwide pattern of attacks.

“It is unclear to what extent, if any, they are being co-ordinated. Police have only just reopened a central London park over a drone threat. Britain is under attack and those responsible will not stop at targeting Jews. Meanwhile, the Government thinks it is ‘not appropriate’ to proscribe Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

“Ministers have yet to tell us what urgent action they plan on taking to defeat those in our country who wish to see it burn to the ground. The time for empty platitudes has come and gone. We need action now.”

Counter Terrorism Policing London is leading the investigation supported by the Met’s north-west command area.

It is not being treated as a terrorist incident and it is not currently being linked to other incidents in the area.

Police were called to the scene at 10.31pm on Friday and fire crews also attended.

Commander Helen Flanagan, of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “At this stage last night’s arson is not being linked to other incidents in the north-west London area over the last week or last month’s arson in Golders Green, but counter-terrorism officers are leading due to the similarities of each attack.

“I would ask that anyone with information or footage that could help our investigation gets in touch with police as soon as possible.

“We will be relentless in our pursuit of those responsible for this and other, similar, hateful acts against London’s communities.”

Four Jewish community ambulances were torched in Golders Green in the early hours of March 23.

On Wednesday night, an “ignited container” was thrown into a Persian media organisation’s premises in Wembley in an attempted arson attack, the force said previously.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, said: “Since the incident in Golders Green last month we have spoken extensively to community leaders.

“I understand and appreciate their concerns, and I know this latest incident will add to fears in the community.

“Local officers are working closely with Counter Terrorism Policing to support the investigation.

“The community can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area.

“Since last month’s attack in Golders Green, we have stepped up police patrols and vigilance to reassure communities and disrupt offenders.

“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.”