UK Detains Two Over ‘Antisemitic Arson Attack’ as Police Probe Possible Iran Link

(SeaPRwire) –   UK authorities detained two individuals on Wednesday suspected of carrying out what Prime Minister Keir Starmer called an “antisemitic arson attack,” while investigators probe a potential connection to Iran.

The Metropolitan Police stated that the suspects, aged 45 and 47, were apprehended at locations in northwest and central London on charges of arson with intent to endanger life, with searches of their properties currently underway. Police reported that on Monday, four ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a volunteer ambulance service in north London’s Golders Green area, were deliberately set ablaze.

In response to the incident, Starmer posted on X, calling the antisemitic arson attack in Golders Green “horrifying.”

According to the Jewish Chronicle, a video being shared online claims to show Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyya, a group with ties to Iran that has previously claimed responsibility for attacks on Jewish locations in Belgium and the Netherlands, asserting responsibility for the London incident.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams of the Metropolitan Police previously noted, “We are aware of an online claim from a group taking responsibility for this attack. Verifying the authenticity and accuracy of this claim will be a priority, though we cannot confirm it at this time.”

When questioned on Wednesday about the potential Iran connection, the Metropolitan Police informed Digital that determining any possible motive remains part of the active investigation, but declined to provide additional comment.

Commander Helen Flanagan, who leads Counterterrorism Policing London and is heading the investigation according to the Metropolitan Police, stated Wednesday, “We have been working continuously since this shocking attack occurred, which has resulted in this morning’s arrests.”

She added, “While this seems to be a significant development in the case, we are also aware that CCTV footage indicates at least three individuals were involved. We completely understand that the local community remains worried, and our investigation is still very much ongoing as we continue efforts to identify and apprehend all potential participants.”

Williams stated Wednesday, “We recognize that community anxiety remains high, and I want to assure residents that an intensified, tailored policing strategy targeting vulnerable areas throughout London will be maintained in the days and weeks ahead.”

He continued, “This involves deploying specialist officers and resources alongside local police to safeguard specific sites, as well as conducting highly visible armed patrols to deter those who might wish to harm our communities. I must emphasize that these measures are precautionary rather than a reaction to any particular threat, and we maintain our collaboration with counterterrorism policing colleagues to support their inquiry.”

Digital’s Efrat Lachter contributed to this report.