Police probe Islamist group's arson attack claims

An Islamist group with links to Iran has claimed responsibility for three separate attacks in north London.

Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya - The Islamic Movement of the People of the Right Hand - made the unsubstantiated claim by posting videos on social media.

It comes as three arrests were made following an attempted arson attack at the offices of a Persian language media organisation on Wednesday. There have also been two separate attacks on a synagogue in Finchley and on four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity.

The force added none had been declared as terrorism at this stage but has issued a warning to anyone being "persuaded or paid" to act on behalf of foreign organisations.

Police said an ignited container was thrown towards the Volant Media building at around 20:30 BST on Wednesday, but landed in a car park where the fire quickly went out.

There were no reports of any damage or injuries.

Officers later chased a black SUV until it crashed on on Ballards Lane, Finchley.

A 16-year-old boy and two men aged 19 and 21 were arrested on suspicion of arson endangering life.

The two men and the boy remain in police custody.

A number of nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution, but were quickly reopened after police confirmed there was no wider risk to the public.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for counter-terrorism policing, said: "We are clearly aware of that group, the incidents across Europe and the claims that have been made on various different channels.

"Naturally, that is one of our many lines of inquiry, and there are many others. We remain open minded at this stage."

The Volant Media attack comes follows a separate incident where a man and a woman were arrested after Finchley Reform Synagogue had two bottles thought to contain petrol thrown at it during the early hours of Wednesday.

Last month, another arson attack was carried out on four ambulances belonging to the Jewish community charity Hatzola in Golders Green.

Two further arrests were made on Wednesday morning relating to the Golders Green incident, bringing the total number of arrests to eight. Three people have been charged.

Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said: "While none of these incidents have been declared as terrorism at this stage, officers are keeping an open mind regarding motivation.

"Given the nature of the locations involved and the similarities between the offences, Counter Terrorism Policing is leading these investigations supported by officers across the Met."

Jukes added: "Let me also be absolutely clear about this message. We have seen racist and antisemitic hate crimes, and without commenting on live cases, we know that some individuals are being persuaded or paid to act on behalf of foreign organisations and states.

"If you act out of hatred, racism or antisemitism, we will come after you and you will face the consequences.

"If you believe you can make quick and easy money by committing crimes for others, you will be shown to be wrong."

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