Islamist group claims arson attacks in London
An Islamist group with links to Iran has claimed responsibility for the three attacks in north London.
Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya – The Islamic Movement of the People of the Right Hand – made the unsubstantiated claim by posting videos on social media.
It comes as three arrests were made following an attempted arson attack at the offices of a Persian language media organisation in London on Wednesday.
The Met has issued a warning to those who are being “persuaded or paid” to act on behalf of foreign organisations, after two other separate attacks were made on a synagogue and ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity in north London. The force added none had been declared as terrorism.
After the suspected arson attack in Wembley, police said an ignited container was thrown towards the Volant Media building at around 20:30 BST. There were no reports of any damage or injuries.
Officers later chased a black SUV, leading to the arrest of a 16-year-old boy and two men aged 19 and 21 on suspicion of arson endangering life.
An attack took place at Volant Media, the parent company of Persian news channel Iran International, police said [Google Maps]
The ignited container landed in the car park of Volant Media, the parent company of Persian news channel Iran International, where the fire quickly went out.
The SUV was then seen leaving the scene and was later pursued by police before it crashed on Ballards Lane, Finchley, where arrests were made.
The two men and the boy remain in police custody.
A number of nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution, but were quickly reopened after police confirmed there was no wider risk to the public.
This attack comes after Wednesday’s attempted arson at a synagogue in Finchley, and last month’s arson attack on four ambulances belonging to the Jewish community charity Hatzola in Golders Green.
Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said: “While none of these incidents have been declared as terrorism at this stage, officers are keeping an open mind regarding motivation.
“Given the nature of the locations involved and the similarities between the offences, Counter Terrorism Policing is leading these investigations supported by officers across the Met.”
Jukes added: “Let me also be absolutely clear about this message. We have seen racist and antisemitic hate crimes, and without commenting on live cases, we know that some individuals are being persuaded or paid to act on behalf of foreign organisations and states.
“If you act out of hatred, racism or antisemitism, we will come after you and you will face the consequences.
“If you believe you can make quick and easy money by committing crimes for others, you will be shown to be wrong.”
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