Two members of the Jewish community were injured in a stabbing outside a synagogue in Golders Green, north-west London, in what authorities are treating as a serious and potentially antisemitic incident, reports Israel National News.
According to police and local responders, a man armed with a knife was seen running along a main street, attempting to attack individuals he believed to be Jewish. Volunteers from the community security group Shomrim intervened, pursuing and detaining the suspect until officers arrived.
The attacker reportedly attempted to stab police officers before being subdued with a Taser and arrested. No officers were injured.
The victims — a man in his 70s and another in his 30s — sustained stab wounds and were treated at the scene before being taken to hospital. Both are reported to be in stable condition.
The Metropolitan Police Service confirmed that a 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody. Counter Terrorism Policing officers are leading the investigation to determine the full circumstances and whether there are links to extremist activity.
An Iran-aligned group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, has claimed responsibility for the attack, though no evidence has been provided. The group has previously claimed involvement in incidents targeting Jewish institutions in several European cities.
Senior police officials acknowledged the wider concern within the community. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said the incident would cause significant distress, particularly given a recent pattern of attacks in the area. He confirmed that officers would maintain an increased presence to reassure residents.
Political leaders across the UK condemned the violence. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the stabbing as “utterly appalling,” stating that attacks on Jewish communities are attacks on the country as a whole.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan echoed these concerns, noting a rise in antisemitic incidents and confirming that high-visibility police patrols had been stepped up in the area.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the Jewish community must be able to live “in safety and free from fear,” while thanking emergency services and local volunteers for their rapid response.
The Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, called on the public to pray for the recovery of the victims.
The attack adds to growing concern over antisemitic violence in London, where Jewish residents and institutions have increasingly been targeted in recent months. Investigations are ongoing as police work to establish motive and any wider connections.
Photo credit: Lucy North/PA Wire
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