UK counter-terrorism police are investigating an arson attack on a shop in north-west London, an area with a significant Jewish community, following a series of similar incidents in recent weeks.
The fire broke out late on Friday evening in Hendon. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that no one was injured, though the shopfront sustained minor damage. Officers were called to the scene shortly after 10:30 p.m. after a man was seen approaching a row of shops carrying a plastic bag containing three bottles filled with fluid. He placed the bag near a building before setting it alight. When the devices failed to fully ignite, the suspect fled the scene.
Helen Flanagan of the Met’s counter-terrorism unit said in a statement that the investigation is being led by specialist officers due to similarities with other recent incidents, although no direct link has yet been established. “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,” she said.
The latest incident follows the arrest of two people in connection with a separate arson attack on a synagogue in Finchley earlier this week. In March, four ambulances serving the Jewish community were set on fire in Golders Green.
Police are also examining a recent attack targeting the offices of Iran International in London, where a burning object was thrown into a car park, causing no injuries.
A little-known group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI), has claimed responsibility for that incident and other recent attacks, according to SITE Intelligence Group. The group is reported to have previously claimed similar incidents in Belgium and the Netherlands.
