Hendon arson attack: Counter terror police launch investigation after business targeted in north-west London
An investigation has been launched by counter-terrorism police following an arson attack on a business in Hendon, London.
The Metropolitan Police said a man approached a number of shops on Friday evening carrying a plastic bag containing three bottles of liquid. Police said that the suspect tried to set fire to the items in the bag, but fled the scene when the bottles failed to ignite completely.
The incident is being investigated by London Counter Terrorism Police. The alleged attack was claimed online by people purporting to be from the Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyah (HAYI) group, who said they were targeting the Jewish educational charity Jewish Futures.
Messages apparently from the HAYI group and circulating on pro-Iran Telegram channels claimed a series of attacks on sites across Europe, including an arson attack on four Jewish ambulances in Golders Green, north-west London, last month.
Commander Helen Flanagan, of counter-terrorism policing in London, said: “At this stage last night’s arson is not linked to the arson in Golders Green in north-west London last week or last month, although counter-terrorism officers are taking the lead due to the similarities of each attack.
“I would appeal to anyone with information or footage that could assist our investigation to contact police as soon as possible.”
The Metropolitan Police intervened in the incident, which took place yesterday near the Israeli embassy in central London, after a video of the HAYI group claiming to target the embassy with drones was shared online overnight.
In a statement on Saturday morning, police said there was minor damage to the front of the store in Hendon and no injuries were reported. Charity Jewish Futures, which has its office in Hendon, aims to connect a range of organizations offering different Jewish education programmes.
Detective Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, said: “We have spoken extensively with community leaders since the incident in Golders Green last month. “I understand and appreciate their concerns and know this latest incident will heighten fears in the community.
“Local authorities are working closely with the Counter Terrorism Police to support the investigation.
“The community can expect to see an increased police presence in the area. Since the attack in Golders Green last month, we have increased police patrols and vigilance measures to reassure communities and disrupt criminals.”
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