An Islamist group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, claiming possible links to Iran, has asserted responsibility for three distinct attacks across north London. Known as ‘The Islamic Movement of the People of the Right Hand,’ the group made these unsubstantiated claims by disseminating videos on social media platforms.
These claims emerge as authorities have made three arrests in connection with an attempted arson attack at the offices of a Persian language media organization in Park Royal on Wednesday. Additionally, there have been two other reported incidents: an attack on a synagogue in Finchley and another targeting four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity.
While none of these incidents have been officially declared as terrorism at this stage, the Metropolitan Police’s counter-terrorism team is leading the ongoing investigations. Scotland Yard has issued a stern warning to individuals who may be ‘persuaded or paid’ to act on behalf of foreign organizations or states.
Details of the Park Royal Incident
Authorities reported that an ignited container was thrown towards the Volant Media building in Park Royal, north-west London, at approximately 20:30 BST on Wednesday. The projectile landed in a car park, where the fire quickly extinguished itself. Fortunately, no damage or injuries were reported. Following the incident, officers pursued a black SUV, which subsequently crashed on Ballards Lane, Finchley. A 16-year-old boy and two men, aged 19 and 21, were apprehended on suspicion of arson endangering life. All three suspects remain in police custody. As a precautionary measure, several nearby buildings were evacuated but were swiftly reopened after police confirmed there was no broader risk to the public.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for counter-terrorism policing, stated: ‘We are clearly aware of that group, the incidents across Europe, and the claims that have been made on various different channels. Naturally, that is one of our many lines of inquiry, and there are many others. We remain open-minded at this stage.’
Related Incidents and Further Arrests
The attack on Volant Media follows a separate incident earlier on Wednesday, where a man and a woman were arrested after two bottles believed to contain petrol were thrown at the Finchley Reform Synagogue in the early hours. Last month, another arson attack targeted four ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a Jewish community charity in Golders Green. On Wednesday morning, two additional arrests were made in connection with the Golders Green incident, bringing the total number of arrests across these cases to eight. Three individuals have since been charged.
Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes emphasized: ‘While none of these incidents have been declared as terrorism at this stage, officers are keeping an open mind regarding motivation. Given the nature of the locations involved and the similarities between the offences, Counter Terrorism Policing is leading these investigations, supported by officers across the Met.’
Jukes further issued a strong warning: ‘Let me also be absolutely clear about this message. We have seen racist and antisemitic hate crimes, and without commenting on live cases, we know that some individuals are being persuaded or paid to act on behalf of foreign organisations and states. If you act out of hatred, racism, or antisemitism, we will come after you, and you will face the consequences. If you believe you can make quick and easy money by committing crimes for others, you will be shown to be wrong.’
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