Two Jewish men were stabbed and injured on a street in London on Wednesday in what authorities have described as a terrorist-related attack.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident, which occurred in the Golders Green area.
According to police, the victims — aged 34 and 76 — sustained knife wounds and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Counterterrorism officers have launched an investigation to determine whether the attack is connected to a series of recent arson incidents targeting Jewish sites across the city. Authorities are also exploring a possible Iranian link to those attacks, although they say it is too early to establish any connection.
Reacting to the incident, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened an emergency meeting and pledged to tackle rising antisemitism and extremism. Charles III was also said to be “deeply concerned” by the development.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley described the attack as “another horrendous act of violence directed against our Jewish communities.”
However, the response from authorities drew criticism from some members of the public, with bystanders reportedly shouting “shame on you” and “resign” during a media briefing at the scene.
A local Jewish security group, Shomrim, said the suspect was seen running along Golders Green Road with a knife and attempting to stab passersby believed to be Jewish. The group added that its members helped detain the suspect before police arrived and used a stun gun to subdue him.
Police disclosed that the suspect has a history of violent behaviour and mental health issues.
The attack comes amid heightened tension following recent incidents, including arson attacks on synagogues and Jewish facilities in London.
Residents expressed concern over the growing trend. “Today is somewhat worse because it’s a physical attack against two human beings,” said Anthony Silber. “It’s shocking to hear… but it’s not a surprise.”
The United Kingdom’s Jewish population, estimated at about 300,000, has seen a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents in recent years. According to the Community Security Trust, reported cases increased significantly following the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023 and the subsequent war in Gaza.
In 2025 alone, about 3,700 antisemitic incidents were recorded, compared to 1,662 in 2022, highlighting growing concerns about the safety of Jewish communities across the country.
