UK counter-terrorism police investigate arson at Jewish memorial wall
Investigation into Suspected Arson in North London Jewish Community
LONDON, April 28 (Reuters) - Police said on Tuesday they were investigating suspected arson at a memorial wall in a part of north London that is home to a large Jewish community, amid a recent spate of such incidents in the British capital.
Counter Terrorism Policing Leads the Inquiry
London's Metropolitan Police said the investigation was being led by Counter Terrorism Policing, though it was not being treated as a terrorist incident. They said no arrests had been made.
Details of the Memorial Wall Incident
The incident occurred on Monday at the site of a memorial wall dedicated to people killed in Iran in a bloody crackdown after anti-government protests spread across the country in January. Police said the memorial wall had not been damaged.
Community Response and Police Statement
"We recognise that this incident will heighten concerns in the Golders Green area, where residents have already faced a series of attacks," Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said in a statement.
Recent Attacks on Jewish-Linked Premises
Over the last month, counter-terrorism officers have arrested more than two dozen people as part of investigations into attacks on Jewish-linked premises, including the torching of ambulances belonging to the Jewish volunteer emergency service Hatzola in Golders Green on March 23.
Possible Iranian Links Investigated
Police said after an arson attack at a synagogue this month that they were investigating possible Iranian links to the incidents. A pro-Iranian government group has said it was responsible.
Reporting and Editing Credits
(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti and Sam TobinEditing by Michael Holden and Gareth Jones)
