Counter Terror police probe arson attack at Golders Green memorial

Counter-terrorism officers are leading an investigation into a suspected arson attack at a memorial wall in Golders Green, north-west London, in the latest incident to unsettle the area’s Jewish community.
The Metropolitan Police said a fire was reported at the memorial site on Limes Avenue at 7.28pm on Monday, April 27, with the blaze itself believed to have been started shortly after midnight that morning, at around 12.15am. The memorial wall itself escaped damage.
The inquiry is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London with support from officers in the North West Command Area. However, the force stressed that the incident is not currently being treated as a terrorist attack, and detectives said they were keeping an open mind about the motive. No arrests have so far been made.
The fire comes against a backdrop of mounting concern in Golders Green, which has been targeted in a series of attacks in recent weeks. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in north-west London, acknowledged the strain being felt by local residents. “We recognise that this incident will heighten concerns in the Golders Green area, where residents have already faced a series of attacks,” he said.
He added that officers were working alongside community organisations and faith leaders to provide reassurance, with a “protective security operation” remaining in place. Local officers, he said, were also assisting Counter Terror Policing with the investigation.
Detective Chief Superintendent Williams said the force had stepped up its visible response in the wake of last month’s attack in the same area. “This includes armed police patrols as well as deployments of officers from Project Servator, who are specially trained to spot anyone who may be planning or preparing to commit criminal acts,” he said.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 7308/27Apr. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​