Counter-terror police launch probe after Hendon arson attack as man seen with bag

Counter-terror police launch probe after Hendon arson attack as man seen with bagCounter-terror police are leading an investigation into an arson attack on a business in Hendon, north-west London, on Friday, the Metropolitan Police has saidCommentsNewsEthan Blackshaw Deputy Publishing Lead11:27, 18 Apr 2026Updated 11:42, 18 Apr 2026View ImageCounter-terror police are leading the investigation into an arson attack in Hendon (stock)(Image: Getty Images)Counter-terror police are leading an investigation following an arson attack in London.‌Metropolitan Police officers were called shortly after 10.30pm on Friday to reports of an incident in Hendon. The London Fire Brigade also attended.‌A man was seen to approach a row of shops with a plastic bag containing what was later found to be three bottles containing fluid, police said.‌He placed the bag next to the building and lit the items inside, but thankfully the bottles failed to fully ignite. There was minor damage to the shopfront but no injuries were reported. The man fled the scene.READ MORE: Car 'ploughs into crowd' at Melbourne Comic Con as one dead and another fighting for lifeREAD MORE: Derby bus crash horror as 11-year-old boy killed in three-vehicle collisionThe Metropolitan Police said the investigation is being lead by Counter Terrorism Policing London, supported by officers from the North West Command Area. However, the force said it is not being treated as a terrorist incident.‌"Officers are keeping an open mind about the motive behind the attack," the Met said. No arrests have been made at this time.Commander Helen Flanagan, of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “At this stage last night’s arson is not being linked to other incidents in the North West London area over the last week or last month’s arson in Golders Green but Counter Terrorism officers are leading due to the similarities of each attack.“I would ask that anyone with information or footage that could help our investiga...