A man arrested after a stabbing attack against Jews in north-west London that has been declared a terrorist incident had a known history of serious violence and mental health issues, according to the head of the Metropolitan Police.
Speaking from the scene in Golders Green today, Commissioner Mark Rowley confirmed that the 45-year-old suspect remains in custody on suspicion of attempted murder following the attack.
Police said the incident unfolded at around 11:16am, when officers were called to reports of two men being stabbed. A man in his 70s and another in his 30s, both members of the Jewish community, were treated at the scene before being taken to hospital.
Counter Terrorism Policing has formally classified the incident as a terrorist attack.
While the investigation is ongoing, Rowley highlighted the suspect’s background, stating he had a “history of serious violence and mental health issues.”
The commissioner did not provide further clinical details but indicated that the case sits at the intersection of public safety, extremism, and mental health — an area that has become an increasing concern for authorities.
Officers who responded to the scene were not armed and initially feared the suspect may have been carrying an explosive device. Despite this, they confronted and subdued him using Tasers after he allegedly attempted to continue to resist arrest.
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Rowley said their actions “undoubtedly prevented further injury and saved lives.”
He also acknowledged the role of volunteer community responders, including Shomrim, who assisted in the immediate aftermath.
The commissioner described the attack as part of a troubling pattern of violence targeting Jewish communities, following a series of recent incidents across London.
However, he also pointed to broader underlying drivers, warning that “extremist ideologies” — combined with personal vulnerabilities such as mental health issues — can create dangerous pathways to violence.
Experts have increasingly noted that individuals involved in lone-actor attacks often present a complex mix of ideological influence and personal instability, making early intervention difficult.
Rowley stressed that antisemitism remains a growing threat, fuelled by “hateful and extremist ideologies” from across the political spectrum, as well as foreign actors.
“Too many Jewish people in this country feel they have to make choices that no Briton should ever have to make,” he said, referring to concerns about safety and visibility in public life.
Police have increased patrols and protective measures across London in recent weeks, deploying thousands of additional officers and making dozens of arrests linked to hate crime and extremism.
Authorities say the investigation into the Barnet attack is continuing, with a focus on understanding the suspect’s motivations, background, and any potential links to wider networks.
Rowley urged the public to remain vigilant while also calling for stronger societal responses to hate and extremism.
“An attack on one community is an attack on all London’s communities,” he said.
