Counter-terrorism police are actively investigating a series of arson attacks and related incidents across north-west London, highlighting heightened concerns within local communities. The most recent incident occurred in Hendon on Friday, April 18, where a man was seen attempting to ignite items near a row of shops. Although the items failed to fully ignite and the suspect fled, Counter Terrorism Policing London has taken the lead on the investigation due to similarities with other recent attacks, despite not yet formally linking it to them.

This follows a grave incident on March 23 in Golders Green, where four Jewish community ambulances, operated by the volunteer-led Hatzola service, were deliberately torched. Prosecutors assert that this attack, which caused gas canisters in the vehicles to explode and resulted in an estimated £1 million in damage, was a targeted act against the Jewish community. Hatzola, originating in New York City in the 1960s, is an augmented ambulance service primarily serving Hasidic communities but is known for aiding anyone in need within its operational area, free of charge, even on the Sabbath.

In connection with the Golders Green arson, a fourth individual, 18-year-old British national Judex Atshatshi from Dagenham, east London, was recently charged. Atshatshi appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on April 18, confirming his details before being remanded in custody. He faces charges of arson with intent to damage property and being reckless as to whether life would be endangered. Previously, two other British men, Hamza Iqbal, 20, and Rehan Khan, 19, from Leyton, along with a 17-year-old boy of dual British-Pakistani nationality from Walthamstow, were also charged with arson, being reckless as to whether life would be endangered, and were remanded in early April. Another 18-year-old arrested on the same day as Atshatshi, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life, has been released on bail until July. All four defendants are scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on April 24.

Beyond these, an attempted arson also took place on Wednesday night, April 15, at a Persian media organisation’s premises in Wembley, where an ignited container was thrown. Commander Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London, while noting the Hendon incident is not currently linked to the Golders Green or Wembley attacks, emphasized that counter-terrorism officers are leading due to the similarities in each attack. She urged anyone with information or footage to contact the police, vowing relentless pursuit of those responsible for “hateful acts against London’s communities.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who oversees policing in the affected areas, acknowledged and appreciated the community's concerns, particularly given the latest incident adding to existing fears. He assured a heightened police presence, including armed patrols and Project Servator officers, to reassure communities and deter offenders, an initiative stepped up since the Golders Green attack. Frank Ferguson, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s special crime and counter-terrorism division, underscored the importance of ensuring a fair trial for the defendants and cautioned against any reporting or online sharing of information that could prejudice the active criminal proceedings.