Two Jewish men — aged in their 70s and 30s — were stabbed in broad daylight in Golders Green, north London. A 45-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and is alleged to have tried to stab police; both victims are in stable condition. London’s counter-terrorism police have formally declared the attack a terrorist incident and are investigating whether the suspects deliberately targeted the Jewish community amid a recent rise in antisemitic incidents. Senior UK and Israeli officials condemned the assault.
Two Jewish Men Stabbed in Golders Green; Attack Declared Terrorist Incident
Video from social media appears shows a man being apprehended after a stabbing attack in the north London neighbourhood of Golders Green. Two people were stabbed during the attack, according to a local Jewish neighbourhood watch group. A man was detained at the scene, according to a CNN team on the ground.- Clipped From Video
Two Jewish men were stabbed in broad daylight on a street in Golders Green, a residential area in north London, in an attack that police have formally classified as a terrorist incident.
The Metropolitan Police said a 45-year-old man was arrested at the scene at about 11:16 a.m. on suspicion of attempted murder. Officers allege the suspect also tried to stab police during their response. Both victims — a man in his 70s and a man in his 30s, described by a local Jewish neighbourhood watch group as members of the Jewish community — were taken to hospital and are in a stable condition.
Investigation And Evidence
Laurence Taylor, head of London’s counter-terrorism policing, said the incident "has now formally been declared a terrorist incident" and investigators are probing "whether this attack was deliberately targeting the Jewish community in London." Counter-terrorism officers are leading inquiries into the suspect’s background, nationality and any potential links to extremist activity.
Security camera footage obtained by CNN shows one victim standing at a bus stop putting on a kippah when the assailant shoves him against a sign and repeatedly stabs him. Another man was attacked while walking nearby but managed to shout and run away. Videos filmed by residents show the suspect approaching officers before he was tasered and taken into custody.
Community Reaction And Context
The attack has deepened anxiety in London’s Jewish community after a series of antisemitic incidents in recent weeks. Local leaders condemned the assault and warned of growing fear among residents about going to synagogues and public places. David Meyer, CEO of Jewish educational organisation PaJeS, said the community feels both "very shocked and, perhaps even more troubling, not surprised." Local resident Avi Yodaiken, who said he knew one of the victims, described feeling unsafe.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the assault an "antisemitic attack" and described it as "utterly appalling," urging a determined response to such offences. Israel’s President Isaac Herzog said he was "horrified" and urged the British government to take immediate action.
The incident follows other recent attacks in north London, including the arson of four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity in Golders Green; four people were later charged in that case. Police have cordoned off parts of the area while officers continue their enquiries.
Note: Counter-terrorism detectives continue to investigate. This is a developing story and further updates are expected.
Help us improve.
