Counter-terrorism police in London are investigating a suspected arson attack on a memorial wall in Golders Green that displays the names and faces of Iranians who died protesting against the Iranian government.
The fire broke out on Limes Avenue in the early hours of Monday, at around 12.15am. The wall, located near a Jewish centre in north London, was not physically damaged. No arrests have been made.
As first reported by Sky News, the investigation is being led by counter-terrorism officers, although police have clarified it is not currently being treated as a terrorist incident. The attack was reported later the same day, shortly before 7.30pm.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said the incident would heighten concerns in a community that has faced a series of attacks in recent months. He added that police are working closely with community organisations and that a protective security operation remains in place.
The Golders Green incident is the latest in a string of cases targeting Jewish and community sites across north London. In March, four people were charged over an alleged arson attack on ambulances operated by a Jewish charity. Earlier this month, a 17-year-old pleaded guilty to arson following an attack on a synagogue in Harrow. On April 15, there was also an attempted arson at a synagogue in nearby Finchley.
Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said the organisation was deeply concerned. In a social media post, he said communities were under threat and suggested a foreign state could potentially be behind some incidents, calling for a stronger response from authorities.
In a separate development, police said two men arrested after a non-hazardous powder was found near the Israeli Embassy London on April 17 have been released. A 39-year-old arrested under the Terrorism Act was released without charge, while a 37-year-old was bailed until July.
The targeting of a memorial dedicated to Iranians who died during protests adds another layer to the incident. While located near a Jewish community site, the wall is also a tribute to individuals who opposed the Iranian government—bringing together overlapping concerns around security, identity, and geopolitics in the city.
