Metropolitan Police have detained two additional suspects linked to a planned arson attack targeting a location associated with the Jewish community. The men, aged 19 and 26, were arrested in Watford and remain in custody as the investigation intensifies.
Escalating Investigation Leads to Nine Arrests
Over the past three days, police have arrested nine individuals in connection with an alleged conspiracy to carry out arson. This proactive operation aims to dismantle the threat before it materializes.
On Sunday, 19 April, three men aged 24, 25, and 26 were apprehended in Harpenden shortly after 9 pm. Although these suspects were taken into custody, they have since been released on bail.
The following day, a 25-year-old man was arrested in Stevenage. Additionally, a 26-year-old man and two women, aged 50 and 59, were detained in a vehicle near Birmingham. All were subsequently released on bail pending further inquiries.
Further Arrests Linked to Suspicious Substances Discovery
On Tuesday, a 39-year-old man was arrested at a residence in Ealing following the discovery of jars containing a non-hazardous substance in Kensington Gardens on Friday, 17 April. Thanks to an extended detention warrant, police can hold him until 28 April.
Counter Terrorism Unit Intensifies Efforts
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Co-ordinator of Counter Terrorism Policing, emphasized the rapid progress: “Our investigations continue at pace. We are actively identifying and arresting individuals involved in or planning the recent arson attacks in northwest London.”
Evans highlighted that authorities have secured the first conviction linked to this series of attacks, with seven others charged. “We remain determined to bring all perpetrators to justice,” she added.
Background: Surge in Arrests After Attacks on Jewish Ambulances
Since an attack on Jewish-operated ambulances in Golders Green, north London, in March, Counter Terrorism Police have made a total of 25 arrests. This reflects a sustained crackdown on criminal activities targeting the Jewish community.
