Counter-terrorism police have arrested two people in connection with an arson attack on a memorial wall in Golders Green that pays tribute to protesters killed by the Iranian state, as investigators continue to work through what has become the most intensive community policing operation in the Metropolitan Police’s history.
A 46-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman were arrested at an address in Romford on the morning of Monday 4 May on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. Both were taken to a London police station where they remain in custody. Officers are also conducting a search at the Romford address.
The arrests relate to a reported arson attack on a memorial wall on Limes Avenue in NW11 at around 00:15hrs on Monday 27 April, which police were alerted to at approximately 7.30pm the same day. The wall, which contains images of protesters allegedly killed by the Iranian state during the January crackdown, escaped significant damage in the attack.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the arrests were the result of extensive investigative work since the incident was reported. “We are committed to protecting vulnerable communities in the capital,” she said. “Detectives have been conducting extensive enquiries since this incident was reported to us last week and these two arrests are the result of that hard work.”
She confirmed that Counter Terrorism Policing London was working across multiple investigations into incidents in north-west London since the firebombing of Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green in March. “We have made a total of 30 arrests and nine people have been charged,” she said, adding that with the national threat level now raised to severe, members of the public had a vital role to play. “If you have concerns about someone behaving suspiciously, please report it to us. Your information could help us save lives.”
Since the Golders Green ambulance attack in March, the Metropolitan Police has launched what it describes as the most intensive set of community operations it has ever run, deploying thousands of additional officer shifts including armed patrols and teams from Project Servator — officers specially trained to identify individuals who may be planning or preparing criminal acts.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting CAD 7308/27APR, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
