More arrests made over incidents including arson attacks in London

Counter terror police investigating a series of incidents including arson attacks in London have made eight further arrests

Seven of these were done in the last 48 hours, while this morning a 39 year old man was taken in for questioning over jars of a non hazardous substance which were found in Kensington Gardens last week

As part of this investigation, a search is ongoing at a premises in east London.

Since Jewish ambulances were targeted in Golders Green last month, CTP officers have now arrested a total of 23 people

Eight people have been charged with arson-related offences, while 13 people remain in custody or on bail under active police investigation.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the Senior National Co-ordinator of Counter Terrorism Policing, said:

“We’ve made very clear that we will be relentless in our pursuit of anyone involved in carrying out or planning these arson attacks.

“Our message is clear, we will not tolerate this intimidation of our communities, and will pursue those responsible. One of our key lines of inquiry is whether criminal proxies – that is to say people being paid money to carry out a crime, are being used to commit any of these arsons.

“While our investigations into this are still ongoing, 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.

“When we identify you, we will seek to prosecute you. This will include considering offences under the National Security Act which comes with a significant sentence and lifetime restrictions.

“We will not rest until all those responsible for these acts are held to full account.

" 'As well as making arrests, Counter Terrorism Policing resources have also been deployed in north west London to support the significant Met police operation to help deter further attacks and provide reassurance to Jewish places of worship and businesses.'

“I would like to thank our communities for their support as we investigate these crimes, and would urge the public to be alert to anything which doesn’t feel right and report it to us.”

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