A chilling scene unfolded in Golders Green, north London, as a confirmed terror attack left two men – one in his 70s, the other in his 30s – seriously injured. Captured on CCTV, the horrifying moment shows a man suddenly lunging at a victim who had just placed a skullcap on his head, a blade glinting in the daylight.
The attack was swift and unprovoked. No words were exchanged, no warning given, before the suspect, clad in a coat and carrying a backpack, struck on Highfield Avenue around 11:15 am. The footage is stark, a brutal intrusion into an ordinary moment.
Almost immediately, a member of Shomrim, the Jewish volunteer security force, confronted the attacker, standing firm in the face of danger. The suspect then walked directly towards police officers in the road, ignoring shouted commands to drop the weapon.
A tense struggle ensued. Officers tackled the suspect to the ground, even delivering a kick, but he desperately clung to the small knife in his hand. Finally disarmed, the suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, the discarded blade tossed aside by an officer.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos and fear. Vahid Baghi, who had recently witnessed arson at a nearby memorial wall, recounted people running for their lives, one man clutching a leg injury. “It was chaos,” he said, “In these times it’s so frightening.”
The community is reeling. “We don’t feel protected, we are scared,” said Chaim Kesselman, his voice heavy with anxiety. “These attacks make me feel sick.” The incident has ignited deep-seated fears within the Jewish community.
One eyewitness, a plumbing shop worker, provided a harrowing account. He described seeing a man attempting to stab anyone who appeared Jewish, managing to wound at least one victim in the neck. The shop’s CCTV footage is now being offered to police as evidence.
Political leaders have responded with concern. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his deep worry, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation and a firm response to such offenses. The Community Security Trust is working closely with police, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation, acknowledging the significant distress the incident has caused, particularly in light of recent events in the area. They are exploring all possible motives, while reassuring the public that officers will remain present to offer support and gather information.
This attack follows a disturbing pattern of escalating tensions. Just yesterday, a memorial wall honoring victims of the October 7th attacks was vandalized in an attempted arson. The wall also commemorates those killed during protests in Iran, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams expressed gratitude for the swift action of officers in arresting the suspect and preventing further harm. He acknowledged the community’s fear and vowed a thorough investigation.
The investigation is ongoing, and the community remains on edge, grappling with fear and uncertainty in the wake of this brutal attack.
