The Metropolitan Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a memorial wall in Golders Green, north London; the wall was not damaged and no arrests have been made. Although officers say they are not treating the incident as terror-related, counter-terror detectives are leading the probe. The incident follows last month’s arson of Jewish ambulance vehicles in the same area, for which a militant group claimed responsibility. Police have increased armed patrols and Project Servator deployments as concerns rise about a surge in antisemitic incidents.
Suspected Arson at Golders Green Memorial Wall Prompts Counter-Terror Inquiry
Fire damage to a cabinet beside the memorial wall on Limes Avenue in Golders Green, northwest London, where counter-terror police were investigating a suspected arson attack, April 28, 2026. / Credit: Jordan Pettitt/PA Images via Getty Images
British police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a memorial wall in the Golders Green area of north London. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday and, according to the Metropolitan Police, the memorial was not damaged.
Police Statement and Investigation
Metropolitan Police said they are not currently treating the incident as terror-related, but counter-terror officers are leading the inquiry while detectives keep an open mind about motive. No arrests have been made and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Location and Local Concerns
The memorial stands opposite a Jewish care home for elderly residents, raising concerns among local residents after a spate of recent incidents in the area.
Context and Related Incidents
Last month, vehicles belonging to a Jewish ambulance service in Golders Green were set on fire. The group that later claimed responsibility for that vehicle arson, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (described as The Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Righteous), has also claimed responsibility for a number of attacks on Jewish institutions across Europe. In a March interview with CBS News a group representative said they would 'keep threatening U.S. and Israeli interests worldwide until we've avenged every child in Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, and the resistance nations.'
Police Response: 'Since last month's attack in Golders Green, we have stepped up our work to reassure communities,' the head of policing in northwest London said. 'This includes armed police patrols and deployments of officers from Project Servator, who are specially trained to spot anyone who may be planning or preparing to commit criminal acts.'
The Harakat group has also claimed responsibility for an attempted arson at the offices of a Persian-language media outlet in northwest London on April 15 and an arson attack on a synagogue in Kenton on April 19; a 17-year-old has pleaded guilty in connection with the synagogue fire.
Broader Trend
Separately, the Community Security Trust recorded 3,700 antisemitic incidents in the United Kingdom in 2025, the organisation's second-highest annual total on record—highlighting broader concerns about rising antisemitic activity in the UK.
Police have appealed for anyone with information, dashcam footage or CCTV to come forward as enquiries continue.
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