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9 hours ago
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Counter-terrorism police are leading an investigation into an arson attack on a business in Hendon, north-west London.
The force said that, while it was not yet being linked to arson attacks on a nearby synagogue and Jewish ambulance charity, counter-terrorism officers were being deployed owing to “similarities” between the incidents.
The Guardian understands that the latest attack took place at a premises linked to an educational charity called Jewish Futures. The Metropolitan police said officers were called to the scene shortly after 10.30pm on Friday. The London fire brigade also attended.
Police said a man was seen approaching a row of shops with a plastic bag containing three bottles of fluid. He fled the scene when the bottles failed to fully ignite.
A shopfront sustained minor damage and no injuries were reported, the force said. Although the attack was not being treated as a terrorist incident, officers were keeping an “open mind” about the motive, a spokesperson said. No arrests have yet been made.
On the social media platform Telegram, an Islamist group with links to Iran has claimed it was responsible for targeting Jewish Futures. Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia – otherwise known as the Islamic Movement of the People of the Right Hand – previously said it was behind attacks on four volunteer ambulances in Golders Green on 23 March.
It also said it targeted a synagogue in Finchley and a Persian-language media organisation in Park Royal on Wednesday. The claims made by the group in social media videos have not been verified.
One video shows what appears to be an incendiary device being prepared and then a supermarket bag being set on fire, although it is unclear when this footage was taken.
Jewish Futures has been contacted for comment.
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.”
DCS 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.”
A spokesperson for the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity that works to protect Britain’s Jewish community from antisemitism and terrorism, 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.”
David Pinto-Duschinsky, the Labour MP for Hendon, told Sky News the incident would “undoubtedly add to the concerns” of north London’s Jewish community.
He said: “In Hendon, we are proudly the home of a large Jewish community. We’ve seen the attacks on Hatzola in Golders Green, which is just a mile down the road … Today is Sabbath and as people come out of Sabbath, they will be greeted with this news, so it’s something I’m working very hard on and obviously it’s a source of concern.”
