Terror incident declared in London after knife attack in Jewish neighbourhood

London: Two men have been stabbed in an antisemitic attack in London that triggered outrage at attacks on the Jewish community, with the suspected assailant taken into custody on suspicion of attempted murder.

Political leaders condemned the stabbings, which followed a series of arson attacks on synagogues and Jewish organisations, and the Israeli government called for greater action to stop the threats.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the attack on Wednesday morning in London (about 10pm AEST) and said its officers responded when hearing of people being stabbed in Highfield Avenue, Barnet, which is adjacent to Golders Green, an area in the north of the city with a large Jewish population.

The police declared it a terrorist incident.

The injured men, aged 34 and 76, were treated at the scene for stab wounds and taken to hospital, where they remain in a stable condition.

“The suspect also attempted to stab police officers, and was Tasered before being arrested. No officers were injured,” police said.

The 45-year-old alleged attacker was arrested on suspicion of murder. Police said they were “working to establish his nationality and background”.

The investigation is being led by specialist officers from the Counter Terrorism unit, highlighting the concern at the recent series of attacks bringing terror to members of the Jewish community.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer thanked Jewish groups and the police for acting quickly.

“The antisemitic attack in Golders Green is utterly appalling. Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain,” he said.

The security organisation Shomrim said a suspect “was seen running along Golders Green Road armed with a knife and attempting to stab Jewish members of the public” on Wednesday morning.

It said the suspect was detained by Shomrim members before being arrested by police, who used a stun gun on the man.

Another organisation, the Community Security Trust, also said a man had been arrested after a knife attack.

The incident follows arson attacks in recent weeks targeting Jewish sites in London, including a synagogue and a charity’s ambulances in Golders Green.

An Iranian terrorist group claimed responsibility for setting the Jewish ambulances on fire near a British synagogue, shattering windows and setting off explosions on a residential street.

Counterterror officers are investigating whether the arson attacks were the work of Iranian proxies.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry posted a video on social media soon after the attack, showing a man being assaulted at a bus stop, and said the British government had to do more to stop the problem.

“After attacks on synagogues, Jewish institutions, community ambulances and now Jews targeted in Golders Green, the UK government can no longer claim this is under control,” the ministry said.

“Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s statements are no substitute for confronting the roots of antisemitism festering across United Kingdom.

“British Jews should not need security patrols and emergency volunteers to live openly as Jews. Enough words. The UK must act decisively and urgently.”

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, the head of counter-terrorism policing, said officers were working with security services to ensure a “full intelligence picture” of the attack.

“I can also confirm that this has now formally been declared a terrorist incident,” he said.

“One of the lines of inquiry is whether this attack was deliberately targeting the Jewish community in London.

“Now, that community are strong, but they will be incredibly concerned to see and hear what has happened today, particularly in the wake of other incidents in recent weeks.

“I want to make it clear that counter-terrorism policing, and police forces up and down the country, are mobilising to provide additional support and reassurance.

“And we request that the public are vigilant and stand alongside communities who may be feeling worried this evening.”

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