Additional Arrests in Alleged Jewish Venue Arson Plot
Two more individuals have been arrested in connection with an alleged conspiracy to commit an arson attack on a location associated with the Jewish community, according to the Metropolitan Police.
The recent arrests were made by counter-terrorism officers investigating the alleged plot. The detainees, a 19-year-old man and a 26-year-old man, were taken into custody in Watford on Tuesday and remain held.
In total, nine people have now been arrested over the past three days in relation to the same alleged arson conspiracy.
Of those previously arrested, seven have been released on bail subject to strict conditions. Among them are three men aged 24, 26, and 26, who were arrested in Harpenden on 19 April. Additionally, a 25-year-old man was arrested in Stevenage. On Monday, a 26-year-old man and two women aged 50 and 59 were detained in a vehicle near Birmingham in connection with the alleged conspiracy.
Related Guilty Plea and Investigation Details
Separately, a teenager pleaded guilty on Tuesday to carrying out an arson attack on a synagogue that occurred on Saturday night.
The two newly arrested individuals are suspected of involvement in planning an arson attack at an unspecified venue linked to the Jewish community.
Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator of counter-terrorism policing, provided an update on the investigation, stating:
“Our investigations continue at pace, and we are continuing to identify and arrest suspects who we believe were involved [in], or planning, the recent arson attacks in north-west London.
“We’ve now had the first conviction in relation to this recent spate of arson attacks and seven others have been charged. We remain determined to identify, arrest and charge all those who have been involved in the recent criminal activity.
“My message to anyone even considering getting involved in this type of activity is this: the stakes are high and it is absolutely not worth the risk.”
Context of the Attacks
The arrests by counter-terrorism officers follow a series of firebombings and attempted arson attacks targeting synagogues and other Jewish-related sites across London.
The incidents began on 23 March, when ambulances operated by a Jewish charity were set on fire in Golders Green, north London. Subsequently, in April, there were attacks or attempted attacks on a charity, synagogues, and an Iranian dissident media outlet.
Additional reporting was provided by .
