Met Police counter-terrorism probe into London arson attacks on Jewish sites, possible Iran proxy link

Counter-terrorism officers in London are examining whether recent arson and related attacks on Jewish and Israeli-linked sites involve proxies of the Iranian regime. The Metropolitan Police said the incidents share similar features and have hit premises across the capital since last month. Investigators are also assessing online claims tied to the attacks.

Representative image

Police also increased patrols after a Jewish charity was targeted by arson in London on Friday. The Met said extra resources helped officers stop another incident on Saturday night. That attempted attack was disrupted during patrols near Jewish businesses and places of worship, according to the force.

Metropolitan Police counter-terrorism probe into Iranian regime proxies

Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said Counter Terrorism Policing CTP is leading all investigations. Evans said most of the incidents were claimed online by Ashab al-Yamin Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right. Evans added the same group has also claimed recent incidents across Europe.

Evans said the locations targeted in Europe included places of worship, businesses, and financial institutions. Evans said these sites appeared linked to Jewish or Israeli interests. Evans said teams remain alert to Iranian state aggression in the UK. Evans spoke as the conflict in West Asia continues to evolve.

I have spoken at length of the Iranian regimes routine uses of criminal proxies. We are considering whether this tactic is being used here in London – recruiting violence as a service. Individuals carrying out these crimes often have no allegiance to the cause and are taking quick cash for their crimes, she said.

Speaking outside Kenton United Synagogue in north London, Evans warned that such offences can lead to tough sentences. Evans also said offenders could face lifetime restrictions under the UKs National Security Act. The Met has not said how many suspects have been identified so far.

Metropolitan Police counter-terrorism operations and patrols across Barnet

Police said uniformed and plain-clothed officers will keep a strong presence at hotspots. The plan includes reassurance patrols at Jewish places of worship and businesses. Extra stop and search powers were introduced across Barnet in north London. Police said the measures aim to deter violence and identify offenders.

Armed response vehicles and Counter Terrorism Policing CTP resources have also been deployed. Police motorbikes and interceptors will patrol in and around communities. The Met and CTP London said they will keep engaging community leaders and Jewish communities. Police also said the latest incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.

Metropolitan Police counter-terrorism details on Hendon arson attempt

On Friday, police said a man approached shops in Hendon carrying a plastic bag. The bag later contained three bottles holding fluid, police said. The man placed the bag beside the building and lit the items. The suspect fled, but the bottles did not fully ignite.

Fridays arson attack targeted Jewish Futures, an organisation with educational and cultural ties to Israel. Police are also investigating other recent cases across London. These include a botched firebombing at a Jewish synagogue. Another case involved an attempted arson at Iran International studios.

An incident at the Israeli embassy in Kensington is also under investigation. Police suspect drones involved in that incident carried radioactive material. Last month, four ambulances owned by a Jewish charity in Golders Green were firebombed. Police have not provided further forensic findings in these cases.

Metropolitan Police counter-terrorism context and claims on Telegram

The Sunday Times reported at least five UK incidents were claimed by an Islamist group. The report said the group is suspected of links to Irans intelligence services. The newspaper identified Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia HAYI as claiming responsibility. The claims were said to be posted on the Telegram app.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in north London, said teams are working with CTP. Williams said CTP is leading the investigations into all incidents. Williams added police have been in contact with local community leaders since last month. The aim has been to address concerns and provide reassurance.

Since the incident in Golders Green last month, we have spoken extensively to community leaders. I understand and appreciate their concerns, added Detective Luke Williams.

Met Polices Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said the concern felt by Jewish communities is longstanding. For Jewish communities, this feeling of concern is sadly not new; and we appreciate and recognise the continued impact on them as they try to live peacefully and without fear, said the Met Polices Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes.

Police said the incidents are being viewed in the context of the wider conflict in West Asia. Investigators are also assessing whether the cases relate to the joint US-Israel strikes on Iran. The Met said enquiries remain active across several scenes and reported claims. Police said patrols and security measures will continue while investigations progress.

With inputs from PTI