Authorities are investigating claims made by an Islamist group with ties to Iran regarding three distinct arson incidents in north London.
Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, also known as The Islamic Movement of the People of the Right Hand, asserted responsibility for these attacks through videos shared on social media platforms.
Recent Arrests Following Arson Attempts
This announcement follows the arrest of three individuals in connection with an attempted arson at the offices of a Persian language media organization on Wednesday. Additionally, there have been two attacks targeting a synagogue in Finchley and four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity.
While the police have not classified these incidents as terrorism at this point, they have issued a caution to individuals who may be “persuaded or paid” to act on behalf of foreign entities.
Details of the Attacks
According to police reports, an ignited container was thrown towards the Volant Media building around 20:30 BST on Wednesday, but it landed in a parking area where the fire was quickly extinguished. Fortunately, there were no injuries or damage reported.
Following the incident, officers pursued a black SUV, which subsequently crashed on Ballards Lane in Finchley. A 16-year-old boy and two men, aged 19 and 21, were arrested on suspicion of arson endangering life. All three remain in police custody.
Evacuations and Precautionary Measures
As a precaution, several nearby buildings were evacuated but were reopened shortly after police confirmed there was no ongoing threat to public safety.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, who serves as the senior national coordinator for counter-terrorism policing, stated, „We are clearly aware of that group, the incidents across Europe and the claims that have been made on various different channels. Naturally, that is one of our many lines of inquiry, and there are many others. We remain open-minded at this stage.“
Previous Incidents and Ongoing Investigations
The attack on Volant Media follows another incident earlier on Wednesday, where a man and a woman were arrested after two bottles believed to contain petrol were thrown at the Finchley Reform Synagogue during the early hours.
Last month, an arson attack targeted four ambulances belonging to the Jewish community charity Hatzola in Golders Green. This incident led to two additional arrests on Wednesday morning, bringing the total number of arrests related to these incidents to eight, with three individuals now facing charges.
Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes remarked, „While none of these incidents have been declared as terrorism at this stage, officers are keeping an open mind regarding motivation. Given the nature of the locations involved and the similarities between the offences, Counter Terrorism Policing is leading these investigations supported by officers across the Met.“
Jukes further emphasized, „Let me also be absolutely clear about this message. We have seen racist and antisemitic hate crimes, and without commenting on live cases, we know that some individuals are being persuaded or paid to act on behalf of foreign organisations and states. If you act out of hatred, racism or antisemitism, we will come after you and you will face the consequences. If you believe you can make quick and easy money by committing crimes for others, you will be shown to be wrong.“
Bildquelle: ai-generated-gemini
