Police issue major update on north-west London arson attack

Police issue major update on Hendon arson attack after man set light to bag of fluidsPolice say a man was seen approaching a row of shops carrying a plastic bag later found to contain three bottles of fluid, which he allegedly placed by a building in Hendon before lighting itNewsPaige Ingram and Pol Allingham and Ted Hennessey Press Association23:31, 18 Apr 2026Updated 23:38, 18 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesA "significantly increased" number of uniformed and plain-clothed Met officers will be visible throughout the weekend, with additional stop and search powers granted across Barnet.(Image: Getty Images)Police have declared the latest arson attack in north-west London an antisemitic hate crime.‌Members of the Jewish community have been urged to "remain calm" as counter-terror officers investigate the incident alongside a string of similar attacks. The Metropolitan Police, which is supporting Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London's investigation, confirmed there have been "online claims of responsibility" for the arson and attempted arson attacks.‌A man was spotted on Friday evening approaching a row of shops carrying a plastic bag, later found to contain three bottles of fluid. He placed the bag beside a building in Hendon, Barnet, before setting light to its contents, the force said. The man fled when the items failed to fully ignite, with the shopfront sustaining only minor damage and no injuries reported.No arrests have been made.‌View 3 ImagesA damaged ambulance in Highfield Road, Golders Green, London, after an apparent arson attack A police cordon remained in place around a building, believed to have formerly been used by the Jewish community, on Saturday afternoon. Armed response vehicles, CTP resources and police motorbikes have all been deployed to the area.A "significantly increased" number of uniformed and plain-clothed Met officers will be visible throughout the weekend, with additional stop and search powers grant...