Eight further arrests in arson investigations

Counter Terrorism Policing have made a further eight arrests as part of investigations in arson attacks across London.

Seven of these arrests are part of a proactive investigation into alleged conspiracy to commit arson. It is believed that the intended target of this conspiracy is a venue related to the Jewish community, however the specific target or venue is not known.

Three men, aged 24, 25 and 26, were arrested in Harpenden shortly after 9pm on Sunday, 19 April.

On Monday, 20 April, a 25-year-old man was arrested in Stevenage. A 26-year-old man, and two women, aged 50 and 59, were also arrested in a car near Birmingham. All three were taken to a London police station.

On the morning of Tuesday 21 April, a 39-year-old man was arrested at an address in Ealing under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and taken into custody. This was part of an investigation following the discovery of jars of a non-hazardous substance in Kensington Gardens on Friday, 17 April. Also in relation to this incident, a search was carried out at a premises in east London.

Since the series of arson attacks began with an attack on the Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green on 23 March, 23 people have been arrested. As of 21 April, eight people had been charged with arson-related offences, while 13 people remained in custody or on bail under active police investigation. 

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the Senior National Co-ordinator of Counter Terrorism Policing, said: “We’ve made very clear that we will be relentless in our pursuit of anyone involved in carrying out or planning these arson attacks.

“Our message is clear, we will not tolerate this intimidation of our communities, and will pursue those responsible. One of our key lines of inquiry is whether criminal proxies – that is to say people being paid money to carry out a crime, are being used to commit any of these arsons.

“While our investigations into this are still ongoing, my message to anyone even considering getting involved in this type of activity is this, the stakes are high and it is absolutely not worth the risk.

“When we identify you, we will seek to prosecute you. This will include considering offences under the National Security Act which comes with a significant sentence and lifetime restrictions.

“We will not rest until all those responsible for these acts are held to full account.