Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to visit the scene of a suspected terror attack in Golders Green “as soon as possible” – as he faced anger from the Jewish community over his response to antisemitism in the UK.
Jewish leaders have called for tougher action on antisemitic violence after two Jewish men – aged 76 and 34 – were taken to hospital after being stabbed in the north London suburb.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis named them as Nachman Moshe ben Chaya Sarah and Moshe Ben Baila in a social media post.
Disturbing footage posted online appears to show a man waiting at a bus stop putting on a kippah before an attacker lunges at him.
A clip released by the Metropolitan Police shows the moment their officers came face to face with the suspect who could be seen walking towards them.
The officers could be heard shouting “get down on the ground” before using a Taser and grappling with the man to try and retrieve what appears to be a knife.
A member of the public could also be seen intervening and helping to apprehend the suspect.
Britain’s most senior police officer, Sir Mark Rowley, said the 45-year-old suspect has a history of serious violence and mental health problems.
Sir Mark told journalists that two police officers who tasered and arrested the knifeman believed he had a bomb when they confronted him.
But he and Sarah Sackman, the Labour MP for Finchley and Golders Green, were heckled with calls to resign by members of the public as they gave statements at the scene.
It came after Sir Ephraim warned “words of condemnation are no longer sufficient”, adding “this is a hatred that we must face down together”.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the attack was the latest in a string of antisemitic incidents following a Cobra meeting on Wednesday.
Sir Keir said: “Let’s be frank, this is not an isolated incident. There’s been a series of antisemitic attacks and I know first hand the anxiety that that is causing in the community and concern.
“I was at Kenton synagogue last week where I heard a lot about that level of anxiety. It’ll be worse after today.
“We’re very much in touch with the community, and I’ll visit as soon as possible.”
The Prime Minister suggested that the Government would deal with “the root causes of extremism and antisemitism”.
He also told broadcasters that he would meet with criminal justice agencies on Thursday.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood pledged that the Government would “strain every sinew” to keep Jewish people safe.
The King, currently on a visit to the US, is being kept informed, and “is naturally deeply concerned” about the impact on the Jewish community.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “The Prince and Princess of Wales are following the situation closely and are, of course, concerned about the attacks upon the Jewish community.
“The innocent victims of today’s attack are in their thoughts and they wish them a speedy recovery.”
The scene is around half a mile from a memorial wall where an attempted arson attack took place on Monday, and near to where four Jewish community ambulances were destroyed by fire in late March.
These are among a number of alleged arson attacks on Jewish sites in London in recent weeks, with a group called Hayi claiming responsibility.
It has also said it is responsible for the stabbing, although this is being treated with some scepticism due to the differing nature of the knife attack.
The other incidents involve arson or attempted arson, and one where a drone was flown near the Israeli embassy.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said they “demand and expect action” to protect British Jews, who shadow home secretary Chris Philp said are not being properly protected.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said there are “terrorists and violent people who are seeking out visibly Jewish people”, adding: “This is a national emergency.”
At least 150 protesters marched down Golders Green Road on Wednesday evening waving flags and chanting “IRGC terrorists, UK put them on the list” and “shame on Sadiq Khan”.
Among those speaking to demonstrators was Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, and Mr Philp.
A demonstration is being organised by the Campaign Against Antisemitism on Thursday evening outside Downing Street.
Police said they are working to establish the “nationality and background” of the attacker who struck on Wednesday.
He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody after being checked over at hospital, Sir Mark said.
A pizza shop worker on Golders Green Road said he helped the elderly stab victim after he saw him bleeding from his neck.
Tariq Aziz, who works at pizza takeaway shop Slice, told the Press Association: “He came to our shop and then I gave him a tissue and helped him, and then police came suddenly and arrested the guy.”
He said the suspect “wasn’t running away” after the attack and that when the police came, he pointed out the suspect as he was “just walking down there with a knife”.
Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions, said that specialist terrorism prosecutors are working with police and added: “We will not tolerate the scourge of antisemitism and we will do everything in our powers to prosecute those responsible.”
