Two Jewish men stabbed in London in terrorist incident, police say
Two Jewish men were stabbed in a daytime attack in north London on Wednesday in what police have officially described as a terrorist incident, further intensifying concerns within the city’s Jewish community.
The attack took place in Golders Green at around 11:16 a.m. local time. A 76-year-old man and a 34-year-old man were injured and taken to hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition. No police officers were injured during the incident.
Metropolitan Police said a 45-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after allegedly attacking the victims and attempting to stab responding officers. Authorities also confirmed the suspect has a history of serious violence and mental health issues.
Counterterrorism officers are now leading the investigation to determine whether the victims were deliberately targeted because of their Jewish identity. Police are also examining the suspect’s background, nationality, and potential links to extremist activity.
Security footage reportedly shows the attacker targeting individuals in separate incidents on the street, including one victim near a bus stop and another who managed to escape after being stabbed.
London police officials confirmed the case has been formally declared a terrorist incident.
Local volunteer security group Shomrim assisted at the scene and reportedly helped restrain the suspect before police arrived. Officers later detained him after he moved toward them.
The attack comes amid a rise in antisemitic incidents in London in recent months, including arson attacks on Jewish-linked facilities and vandalism targeting community sites. The Jewish community in north London has reported increasing anxiety over safety concerns.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as “utterly appalling” and condemned the rise in antisemitic violence, while pledging stronger action to address such crimes. Israeli President Isaac Herzog also expressed concern, urging urgent steps to prevent further attacks.
Community leaders say the repeated incidents are leaving residents fearful and worried that such violence is becoming normalized.
