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Update on recent arson attacks in north west London |
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As you will know, several premises linked to the Jewish community and to those who oppose the Iranian regime, have been targeted in recent arson attacks.
Communities can expect to see a significantly increased number of officers in and around the area, with measures implemented to help prevent and deter crime.
We are deploying the full range of our capabilities with uniformed and plain clothed officers maintaining a strong presence around the area, including providing reassurance to Jewish places of worship and businesses. We have embedded an officer in the Community Security Trust's operations centre to expedite the already excellent partnership we have with them.
Additionally, armed response vehicles and Counter Terrorism Policing resources have been deployed to the area to support the increased local policing plan. Police motorbikes and interceptors will also be in and around communities to bolster efforts.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, northwest Commander for Barnet, Brent and Harrow, has said:
“Keeping our communities safe remains our top priority, and we are doing everything we can to step up resourcing to prevent and deter criminality.
“We recognise the feeling of concern among local people and do not underestimate the impact of incidents of this nature – particularly our Jewish communities.
“We continue to work with our colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing who are leading the investigations into all of these incidents due to the similar circumstances and online claims of responsibility. We and Counter Terrorism Policing have officers working continuously to support this investigation and our communities.
“I want to thank local partners, including the Community Security Trust, for their support. We will keep speaking to representatives from across our community and remain steadfast in our commitment to tackling antisemitism and hatred in all its forms. Everyone should be able to live peacefully and without fear.”
In terms of updates on specific recent incidents you may have heard about, you may wish to know:
The day after the recent attack at Kenton Synagogue (Saturday 18 April), officers arrested a 17-year-old and 19-year-old.
During the incident reported at a Persian‑language media organisation (Wednesday 15 April), officers responded immediately, and three men (aged 16, 19 and 21) were arrested quickly on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. All three suspects have been charged with the offences and remanded. Fortunately, there were no injuries and no damage reported.
Following the attack on a synagogue in Finchley last week (Wednesday 15 April), two people – a 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man – have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and have been bailed.
In relation to the Golders Green attack (Monday 23 March), a total of eight people has been arrested. Four people have been charged with arson-related offences and have been remanded, whilst two others remain on bail.
Counter Terrorism Policing have made eight arrests as part of a proactive investigation into alleged conspiracy to commit arson. Three men (aged 24, 25 and 26) were arrested in Harpenden on Sunday 19 April. On Monday 20 April, a 25-year-old man was arrested in Stevenage, along with a 26-year-old man and two women (aged 50 and 59) who were arrested in a car near Birmingham.
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