Counter-terror police probing links to Iran over string of firebomb attacks
A group known as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya is claiming responsibility for the attack, as well as a spate of others across Europe
Counter-terrorism police are investigating whether a recent spate of firebombing incidents in London came from Iranian-backed proxies.
Listen to this article
Three men were arrested on Wednesday evening by armed police after the offices of a Persian-language TV station in Wembley were hit with an alleged arson attack.
A synagogue in Finchley was targeted in an attempted firebombing on Wednesday morning.
This followed a shocking incident in which four ambulances owned by a Jewish charity in Golders Green were set alight last month.
Read more: Iran says Strait of Hormuz 'fully open’ for duration of ceasefire
Read more: Two arrested after attempted arson on Finchley synagogue
Detectives said they were “keeping an open mind” to the possibility that Iranian-backed proxies may be behind the spate of attacks.
Scotland Yard has confirmed that the investigation into the matter was being led by specialist detectives from counter-terror policing, due to the “nature and circumstances” surrounding the three incidents.
A group known as Ashab al-Yamin - who claimed responsibility for a spate of attacks against Jewish organisations across Europe - says it was behind the synagogue firebombing.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the senior national co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, told The Telegraph: “These are all live investigations. We are open-minded, and all lines of inquiry are open at this stage.
“These incidents have happened against an operational backdrop of global instability and sustained and increasingly aggressive hostile activity on UK soil.
“We are now dealing with an unprecedented level of national security investigations with suspected links to foreign states, many of those with dangerous and often reckless intentions.
“I want to reassure our communities that Counter Terrorism Policing will be relentless in tracing those responsible for these acts of violence on our streets. If you are part of this activity, then know that you will be caught, and you will face justice.”
Police have confirmed that two 18-year-old men were arrested in east London on Thursday morning following the attack in Golders Green.
One of the men was questioned on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, and the other was detained on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.
Three people have already appeared in court after being charged in connection with the incident, whilst a fourth was released on police bail.
Following the incident in Finchley, a 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man were arrested in Watford on Wednesday.
Three men aged 16, 19 and 21 were arrested on suspicion of arson and endangering life in connection with the attempted firebomb attack on a Persian language media organisation on Wednesday.
Three people have already appeared in court after being charged in connection with the incident, whilst a fourth was released on police bail.
Following the incident in Finchley, a 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man were arrested in Watford on Wednesday.
Three men aged 16, 19 and 21 were arrested on suspicion of arson and endangering life in connection with the attempted firebomb attack on Persian language media organisation, Iran International, on Wednesday.
On Wednesday evening at around 8:30pm, the TV station’s head office was hit with a Molotov cocktail, which fortunately landed in a car park and quickly went out. No damage or injuries were reported.
Suspects spotted fleeing the area in a black SUV were chased by armed police.
The suspects’ vehicle later collided on Ballards Lane, near Woodberry Gardens, just yards from the scene of the incident.
Discussing the recent spate of attacks, Assistant Commissioner Matt Jukes told The Telegraph: “We know that some individuals are being persuaded or paid to act on behalf of foreign organisations and states.
“If you act out of hatred, racism or anti-Semitism, we will come after you, and you will face the consequences.”
He added that hundreds of extra officers, many of them armed, were being deployed to protect Jewish areas and offer reassurance to local communities.