Three individuals have been charged in relation to an arson attempt targeting a Persian-language media organization located in northwest London. The accused include Oisin McGuinness, 21, and Nathan Dunn, 19, both residents of Watford, along with a 16-year-old male from north London. All three are British citizens.
In addition to the arson charges, McGuinness faces an additional charge of dangerous driving. The trio is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates‘ Court on Friday.
Details of the Incident
The Metropolitan Police reported that a lit container was thrown at the premises, believed to be the offices of Volant Media, which operates the Persian news channel Iran International, in Park Royal around 8:30 PM on Wednesday. The container landed in a parking area, where the fire was extinguished without causing any damage.
Following the incident, the suspects fled the scene in a black SUV. A police armed response unit pursued the vehicle after the driver failed to stop. The SUV eventually crashed on Ballards Lane, near the intersection with Woodberry Gardens, N12.
Arrests and Precautions
McGuinness, Dunn, and the 16-year-old were apprehended on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life at the time of the incident and were subsequently charged on Friday. As a precautionary measure, nearby buildings were evacuated, but fortunately, the attempted arson did not result in any injuries or property damage.
Connection to Other Incidents
Currently, there is no indication that this attack is linked to recent arson incidents involving a synagogue in Finchley or ambulances in Golders Green. However, the Metropolitan Police are aware of claims of responsibility for the attempted arson by the Iran-affiliated Islamist group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia. This group has previously claimed responsibility for other attacks across Europe since the onset of the conflict in Iran, posting videos on Telegram regarding the incidents, as reported by terror group monitoring organization Site Intelligence.
Bildquelle: Foto von Georg Eiermann auf Unsplash
