Golders Green memorial wall targeted in 'arson attack' as two people arrested

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of arson following an alleged attack on a memorial wall in Golders Green, north London. A 46-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman have been arrested in connection with the fire at the site in Limes Avenue, which the Metropolitan Police was alerted to at about 12.15am BST on April 27. The memorial wall is a tribute to thousands of protesters killed in a crackdown in Iran in January and is near a Jewish centre. The wall itself was not damaged. A section of the wall is dedicated to those killed in the Hamas attack on the Nova music festival in Israel in 2023, while a more recent statement of solidarity for the Jewish community in the wake of recent attacks has been attached to a nearby tree. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said at the time: "We recognise that this incident will heighten concerns in the Golders Green area, where residents have already faced a series of attacks. "We are working closely with community organisations and leaders, and want to reassure them that our protective security operation continues. Our local officers are working closely with Counter Terror Policing to support their investigation. "Since last month’s attack in Golders Green, we have stepped up our work to reassure communities. This includes armed police patrols as well as deployments of officers from Project Servator, who are specially trained to spot anyone who may be planning or preparing to commit criminal acts." Following the incident, the Miga Rally community group said in a statement: "The memorial wall is a peaceful place of remembrance, documenting lives lost and ensuring victims are not forgotten. "Any attempt to damage or desecrate such a site is deeply troubling and an attack on the values of remembrance, dignity and community cohesion. We hope those responsible will be identified and held accountable."