LONDON — British counter-terrorism police have formally declared a double stabbing in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood of north London a terrorist incident, prompting the UK’s Chief Rabbi to issue a stark warning about the safety of the Jewish community on British streets.
The attack, which unfolded in Golders Green, left two Jewish men, aged 76 and 34, hospitalized. Both victims are currently reported to be in stable condition.
A 45-year-old male suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. According to the Metropolitan Police, the assailant also attempted to stab responding officers before being subdued with a Taser and detained. Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage that reportedly captured the moments immediately preceding one of the attacks.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are working closely with national security services. “One of the lines of inquiry is whether this attack was deliberately targeting the Jewish community in London,” a police spokesperson stated.
While authorities are urgently working to establish the suspect’s nationality and background, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley noted that the individual has a documented history of serious violence and mental health issues.
The incident has sent shockwaves through London’s Jewish community. Speaking from Golders Green on Tuesday evening, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mervis delivered a sobering assessment of the current climate.
“I’m sad to say that today’s event proves that if you are visibly Jewish, you’re not safe, and far more needs to be done,” Sir Ephraim told the BBC. He urged citizens across the United Kingdom to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and unequivocally condemn the violence.
“It’s a sustained effort to terrorise the Jewish community, which will not succeed, because we’re a strong and resilient community,” he continued. “We face these kind of attacks and these incidents with great fortitude. However, this cannot be allowed to continue.”
The Chief Rabbi also called for a deeper investigation into the root causes of such violence, pointedly stating, “We need to recognise that state-sponsored terrorism on the streets of our country is simply unacceptable.”
His comments highlight growing security concerns in the UK regarding foreign interference. Earlier on Tuesday, Commissioner Rowley disclosed that British intelligence and law enforcement have foiled more than 20 Iran-generated plots within the UK in recent years. However, Rowley cautioned that it remains “too early to say” if there is any direct link between the Iranian government and the attacks in Golders Green.
As the investigation continues, police have increased patrols in the area to provide reassurance to local residents.
