What we know about the double stabbing in Golders Green, north London

What we know about the double stabbing in Golders Green, north London

Two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, north London, in an incident that police have classified as a terrorist attack. The victims, aged 34 and 76, are currently in stable condition in hospital, while a 45-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the assault.

The Metropolitan Police responded shortly after reports of stabbings along Highfield Avenue, near Golders Green Road, at 11:16 BST on Wednesday. CCTV footage captured the suspect jogging along the pavement, chasing and attacking one man before moving toward a bus stop where he repeatedly assaulted another individual. The suspect was eventually subdued by police using a Taser after officers shouted commands for him to drop the knife. Footage from body cameras confirms the events, showing police efforts to restrain and administer CPR.

Authorities have identified the suspect as a British man born in Somalia. After being detained, he was taken to hospital but later discharged and transferred to a police station where he remains in custody pending further investigation. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley described the suspect as someone the officers believed to be a terrorist, noting that he refused to show his hands and remained violent even when confronted. Rowley added that officers feared the individual might have been carrying an explosive device and emphasized ongoing coordination with security services to determine whether the attack was targeted at the Jewish community.

The police are also investigating an incident earlier on the same day in south-east London, where a knife-wielding suspect reportedly clashed with someone at a property on Great Dover Street before fleeing. The authorities believe this may involve the same person arrested in Golders Green. The attack has prompted strong reactions from community leaders and public figures. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis stressed the challenges faced by visibly Jewish people and called for urgent action, while London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed anger and horror at the climate of fear affecting Jewish residents. Buckingham Palace stated that King Charles III was “naturally deeply concerned” and conveyed his prayers for the injured men, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack as “utterly appalling,” stressing that such actions are attacks on the entire country

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