Counter Terrorism Policing has announced two more arrests in connection with a planned arson attack targeting the Jewish community in London, bringing the total number of recent detentions to nine. The latest suspects, men aged 19 and 26, were apprehended in Watford and are currently in custody. These arrests are part of an extensive ongoing investigation into a series of criminal activities.

The recent wave of arrests has seen nine individuals detained over the past three to four days for alleged conspiracy to commit arson. Prior to the Watford arrests, seven other individuals had been taken into custody. These included three men aged 24, 25, and 26 arrested in Harpenden on Sunday. A 25-year-old man was arrested in Stevenage on Monday, and on Tuesday, a 26-year-old man and two women, aged 50 and 59, were detained in a car near Birmingham. The seven individuals initially arrested have since been released on bail under strict conditions as investigations continue.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the Senior National Co-ordinator of Counter Terrorism Policing, emphasized the relentless pace of the investigation. "Our investigations continue at pace, and we are continuing to identify and arrest suspects who we believe were involved, or planning, the recent arson attacks in north west London," she stated. She highlighted a significant development, adding, "We've now had the first conviction in relation to this recent spate of arson attacks and seven others have been charged. We remain determined to identify, arrest and charge all those who have been involved in the recent criminal activity." Ms. Evans issued a stern warning to potential offenders: "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."

Since a series of planned and carried out arson attacks began in London in March, authorities have made significant progress. The incidents have included the targeting of community ambulances run by a Jewish charity in Golders Green on March 23, as well as attacks or attempted attacks on two synagogues and a former Jewish charity. Additionally, an Iranian dissident media outlet was targeted. Overall, counter-terror officers have arrested 25 people since the attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green. Out of these, eight individuals have been charged with arson-related offences, and one teenager has pleaded guilty and been convicted of arson for an attack on a synagogue in Kenton.

In response to these incidents, Ms. Evans assured communities in north-west London of an increased security presence. "Communities can expect to see an increased presence of uniformed and plain-clothed officers, which is being maintained following the incidents from last week," she confirmed. This enhanced visible policing includes patrols outside Jewish places of worship, businesses, and other key community locations, aimed at identifying potential attackers and providing reassurance. To support this local policing plan, armed response vehicles, Counter Terrorism Policing resources, police motorbikes, and specialist interceptors are actively deployed to detect and deter criminal activity on the road network.

Separately, police are also investigating a report of a drone flying near the Israeli embassy on Friday. A 39-year-old man was arrested in Ealing on Tuesday in connection with this incident and remains in custody after a warrant for further detention was obtained, allowing him to be held until next Tuesday.