Terror police investigate as former Jewish charity premises targeted in north London arson attack

Counter-terror police have launched an investigation after an arson attack on a building formerly used by a Jewish charity in Hendon.

Police and the London Fire Brigade were called at 10:31pm on Friday after a man set three bottles “containing fluid” alight outside a row of shops.

The suspect set fire to the items in a plastic bag after but fled the scene after they failed to fully ignite.

Pictures from the scene in north London show a small amount of damage outside a building that had been used by educational charity Jewish Futures.

Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, an Iran-linked group, is understood to have posted a video online of the attack.

It is the latest in a number of arson attacks in north London recently that the group has claimed responsibility for.

Minor damage was caused to the shopfront and no injuries were reported, the Met said.

Counter-terror police are also investigating attempted arson attacks on a Persian language media organisation and a synagogue in Finchley , as well as ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity set alight in Golders Green last month.

It also follows claims made by the group that it used drones to drop radioactive material on the Israeli embassy in Kensington on Thursday night.

Scotland Yard said the embassy was not attacked but objects found near the Israeli embassy in London are being examined by police .

Officers in protective hazmat suits were visible at the scene on Friday.

The investigation into the Hendon arson is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London, supported by officers from the North West Command Area.

It is not being treated as a terrorist incident and officers are keeping an open mind about the motive behind the attack, the Met said.

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No arrests have been made at this time.

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.”
The Community Security Trust (CST), an organisation which provides security for Jewish people, urged the community to remain calm following the latest incident.

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

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 8987/17APRIL, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.