Counter-terrorism police in London are investigating an attempted arson attack at a memorial wall in Golders Green, North London. The incident, which occurred around 12:15 AM on Monday and was reported at 7:28 PM the same day, is being led by Scotland Yard’s counter-terrorism policing but is not currently being treated as a terrorist incident. No arrests have been made in connection with this specific event at the time of reporting.

The memorial wall serves as a poignant tribute to thousands of protesters who were killed in a crackdown in Iran in January. It is located near a Jewish centre and a section of it is also dedicated to victims of the 2023 Hamas attack on the Nova music festival in Israel. A more recent statement of solidarity for the Jewish community has also been attached to a nearby tree.

Ali Vahedi, a 50-year-old volunteer from the Miga Rally community group, which established the memorial and organises its security, expressed heightened concerns following the incident. Vahedi recounted a series of escalating threats, including a drone last week and individuals throwing objects like tomatoes. Due to these growing safety concerns, security measures were implemented at the site three months ago. Initial police assumptions that the fire was started by a candle were disproven by CCTV footage, which showed a person deliberately attempting to start a blaze using a liquid. Vahedi stated, “The fire started from the end of the table and it spread everywhere. We are lucky someone saw the fire and stopped it.” Although the memorial wall itself was not damaged, scorch marks were visible on a desk.

This latest incident has intensified anxieties in Golders Green, an area that has recently experienced a series of attacks. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who oversees policing in North West London, acknowledged these heightened concerns, stating, “We recognise that this incident will heighten concerns in the Golders Green area, where residents have already faced a series of attacks.” He reassured the community of ongoing protective security operations, including armed police patrols and deployments from Project Servator, a unit specifically trained to identify potential criminal activity. Local officers are collaborating closely with Counter Terror Policing in the investigation.

The attempted arson at the memorial wall forms part of a broader pattern of incidents targeting Jewish and Iranian-linked sites across North London. A group identifying itself as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (Hayi), the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, has claimed responsibility for several of these arson attacks on Jewish sites, as well as incidents involving drones flown near the Israeli embassy. Counter-terror police have been investigating the possible involvement of Iranian proxies in these targeted attacks.

Over the past month, counter-terrorism officers have significantly ramped up investigations, leading to a total of 26 arrests across various incidents. Of those arrested, eight have been charged and one individual has been convicted. Notable previous attacks include the firebombing of ambulances belonging to the Jewish volunteer emergency service Hatzola in Golders Green on March 23, which caused gas canisters to explode and windows in nearby flats to break. Additionally, two synagogues in North West London have been targeted: one, among Europe's oldest, suffered roof damage and smashed stained-glass windows, and a 17-year-old boy pleaded guilty to arson following an attack on Kenton United Synagogue. An attempted arson attack also occurred at Finchley Reform Synagogue on April 15.

Further incidents under investigation include jars containing a powdered substance left in Kensington Gardens near the Israeli Embassy, and an attack on a Persian-language media organisation opposed to the Iranian regime. Two men previously arrested under terrorism laws in connection with the embassy incident have since been released from police custody, though investigations continue. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of counter-terrorism policing London, confirmed the ongoing nature of these investigations and the continued efforts to identify all involved parties. A 37-year-old man was also recently arrested in Devon on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts related to the series of attacks, and has since been bailed.

Authorities urge anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact the police at 101, quoting CAD 7308/27Apr, or to provide anonymous tips to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The Miga Rally community group reiterated the importance of the memorial as a peaceful place of remembrance and condemned any attempt to damage or desecrate such a site as "deeply troubling" and "an attack on the values of remembrance, dignity and community cohesion."