CTP investigating further arson attacks in London

Counter Terrorism Policing are investigating after a series of arson attacks in north west London.

On 23 March, an arson attack targeted volunteer-led ambulances run by the Jewish community in Golders Green.

There was an attempted arson attack at a synagogue in Finchley at around 00:10hrs on Wednesday, 15 April and an arson attack on the offices of a Persian Language media organisation in north west London at approximately 20:30hrs on Wednesday, 15 April.

All three incidents are now being investigated by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London. None have been declared terrorist incidents and officers are still keeping an open mind in respect of any motivation behind any of the attacks.

They are all being treated as separate incidents. However, due to the similarity with all three being arsons, and the nature of the buildings and locations of the incidents has been factored into to the decision for CTP London to investigate all three incidents.

On 16th April, two further arrests were made in connection with the Golders Green ambulance attack. Two 18-year-old men were arrested at two separate addresses in East London. Officers are also carrying out searches at those locations. One man was arrested on suspicion of committing arson with intent to endanger life and the other was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. Three other people have already been charged in relation to the incident and another previously arrested on 4 April in connection with the investigation. 

In relation to the attempted attack at a synagogue in Finchley, at 47-year-old woman was arrested at 16:47 the same day at an address in Watford on suspicion of arson endangering life. At 19:15, a 46-year-old man was also arrested in the Watford area on suspicion of arson endangering life. 

In the case of the attack at the Persian language media organisation officers on proactive patrols in north west London were informed of the incident at around 20:30hrs on Wednesday, 15 April. An ignited container had been thrown into the premises. The container landed in a carpark, where the fire put itself out. There were no reported injuries or damage.

It was established that the suspects had left the area in a black SUV. A police Armed Response Vehicle (ARV), which was in the area located a vehicle matching this description and began a pursuit when the driver failed to stop for police. The vehicle later crashed. Due to initial concerns around possible items in the vehicle, some buildings in the immediate area were evacuated as a precaution, although it was quickly established there was no wider risk. 

Oisin McGuinness, 21, Nathan Dunn, 19 and a 16-year-old boy from north London were all charged with arson with intent to endanger life. 

McGuinness was also charged with dangerous driving. 

All three are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 17 April.

Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing Vicki Evans said: “These incidents have happened against an operational backdrop of global instability and sustained and increasingly aggressive hostile activity on UK soil.

“Whilst these investigations are ongoing and we’re progressing multiple lines of enquiry, I understand why our communities here in the UK will be concerned to learn of these arson attacks.

“We are now dealing with an unprecedented level of national security investigations with suspected links to foreign states, many of those with dangerous and often reckless intentions.

“I want to reassure our communities that Counter Terrorism Policing will be relentless in tracing those responsible for these acts of violence on our streets.

“If you are part of this activity, then know that you will be caught, and you will face justice.

“Anyone with information about any of the incidents this week, please speak to the police.” 

The Met Police also highlighted speculation about an incident at the Israeli Embassy in London and confirmed that no incident had taken place there.

Deputy Commissioner of the Met Police Matt Jukes said: "I want to speak directly about the impact on our communities.

"London’s Jewish communities and the Iranian diaspora in London have, in recent years, been increasingly targeted by individuals, groups and hostile states intent on spreading fear, hate and harm. Against a backdrop of global instability, sustained conflict overseas and heightened tensions here at home, I fully understand why recent and previous events will be deeply worrying.

"In recent weeks, across the capital, we have stepped up thousands of additional officer shifts to keep Londoners safe. This includes additional resources into investigations leading to the arrest of 28 people for hate crimes, particularly those who target the Jewish community.

"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.

"The consequences will be severe and far beyond those for everyday criminality. If you are acting for others, understand this: they will drop you instantly, and you will face justice alone."