Update on investigation into Barnet attack

The Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London investigation into a terrorist incident in Golders Green where two men were stabbed remains ongoing.

At 11:16hrs on Wednesday 29 April, Met officers responded following reports of people stabbed in Highfield Avenue.

Local officers and armed officers attended, alongside the London Ambulance Service.

The suspect also attempted to stab police officers, and was tasered before being arrested. No officers were injured.

Two men – aged 76 and 34 – were treated at the scene for stab wounds. Both men were taken to hospital where they remain in a stable condition.

A 45-year-old man, who is a British national, born in Somalia, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He was initially taken to hospital but has since been discharged and has been taken to a London police station where he remains in police custody.

The attack in Golders Green was formally declared a terrorist incident.

Officers are carrying out a search at an address in south east London.

As part of this investigation, detectives are also looking into an incident that was reported to police earlier today in south east London. It is believed that the suspect in this incident is the same individual arrested in Golders Green.

Police were called at approximately 08:50hrs on 29 April to an incident at an address in Great Dover Street, SE1. The suspect who is reported to have been armed with a knife, is believed to have had an altercation with the occupant before leaving. The occupant received minor injuries and police arrived within around six minutes of being called. Officers carried out searches in the local area for the suspect, but he was not located.

Officers also carried out enquiries to locate the man at an address connected to the suspect, but again, he was not located.

The focus of the investigation team remains on securing justice for the victims of this terrible attack.

Speaking from Barnet yesterday about the impact on communities, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said:

“London’s Jewish communities, and the Iranian diaspora in London, have in recent years been increasingly targeted by individuals, groups and hostile states intent on spreading fear, hate and harm. Against a backdrop of global instability and heightened tensions here at home, I fully understand how deeply worrying this will be.

“In response, we have significantly stepped up our activity across the capital. Last week saw the most intensive set of community operations we have ever run. In recent weeks, we have deployed thousands of additional officer shifts to protect Londoners, alongside intensified investigations that have already led to the arrest of 28, particularly those targeting the Jewish community. Eight of those individuals have already been charged.

“Let me finish by saying this: London is an inclusive and diverse city. And in the hours and days following the attack in Golders Green three weeks ago, we saw communities come together in solidarity to reject hatred and violence. These are neighbours, their friends, that colleagues. That solidarity matters, and it must continue and strengthen.” 

You can read his full statement here: UPDATE: Statement from the Commissioner on Barnet incident | Metropolitan Police.

Detectives are keen to hear from anyone who may have information about this incident that could assist the investigation. Anyone with information can call police, in confidence, on 0800 555 111, or report it via www.gov.uk/ACT

CTP officers continue to work closely with Met Police colleagues in response to this latest attack, as well as various other recent arson incidents. A significant policing operation has been in place to provide reassurance and deterrence which has been further enhanced, following yesterday’s incident using both highly visible and other specialist police resources.