GOLDERS GREEN — Counter-terrorism detectives are leading an investigation after two Jewish men were stabbed and wounded in Golders Green, London, in a suspected antisemitic attack on Wednesday. A 45-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder after officers used a stun gun to subdue him.

Officers responded at 11:16 a.m. on April 29 following reports of people stabbed in Highfield Avenue, with local and armed officers attending alongside the London Ambulance Service. The suspect had been seen running along Golders Green Road armed with a knife and also attempted to stab officers detaining him. Members of Shomrim tackled the suspect before police used a Taser on him and handcuffed him. No officers were injured during the arrest.

One of the men stabbed was in his 70s and the other in his 30s. Both were treated by the Jewish volunteer ambulance service Hatzola and are in stable condition in hospital. The suspect remains in custody, and police are working to establish his nationality and background. Detectives are examining whether terrorism drove the suspect and are reviewing his mental health history. The attack has not yet been declared a terrorist incident, but this is under consideration by senior counter-terrorism officials.

Laurence Taylor, head of counter-terrorism policing, addressed the early stage of the inquiry. "Whilst I must stress this investigation is at an early stage, we are working quickly to understand exactly what happened. Thank you to those who were in the area at the time and supported the response to this terrible incident."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the stabbings. "The antisemitic attack in Golders Green is utterly appalling. Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain. Thank you to Shomrim, Hatzola and the police for acting swiftly. Those responsible will be brought to justice."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was in close contact with the Metropolitan police and that the force had stepped up high-visibility patrols in the area. "There has been an appalling attack on two Jewish Londoners in Golders Green." He added: "London's Jewish community have been the target of a series of shocking antisemitic attacks. There must be absolutely no place for antisemitism in society."

A large police cordon remained in place in Highfield Avenue, with at least five police cars at the scene and officers speaking to residents. The location is about half a mile from a memorial wall where an attempted arson attack was reported on Monday, and near the site where four Jewish community ambulances were destroyed by fire in late March. Three men and a teenager have been charged in connection with the March ambulance arson and were remanded in custody last week, with a plea hearing set for August. According to 2021 census data, about 15,000 people live in Golders Green, with half being Jewish.