Counter-terrorism police have apprehended a suspect near an isolated market town in Devon in connection with a series of attacks targeting the Jewish community in London. The 37-year-old man was arrested by Metropolitan Police officers at an address close to Barnstaple on Sunday, April 26.
Suspect Yet to be Named
The suspect, who has not been publicly identified, marks the 26th arrest made since a spate of attacks that included the firebombing of Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green, two synagogues in north-west London, and the former premises of a Jewish charity. Additional incidents involved jars containing a powdered substance left in Kensington Gardens near the Israeli Embassy and an attack on a Persian-language media organisation in the capital.
Pro-Iranian Group Claims Responsibility
A pro-Iranian group known as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, or the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, has claimed responsibility for the attacks. The counter-terror investigation has led Scotland Yard to Devon, with the latest arrest following an arson attack on volunteer-led Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green.
Police Statement
A Met Police spokesman stated: 'A 37-year-old man was arrested by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) on Sunday, April 26 at an address near Barnstaple, Devon. He was arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts and has been taken to a London police station for questioning.' The spokesman added that the arrest is part of an ongoing CTP London investigation into a series of attacks on premises linked to the Jewish community. CTP officers continue to work closely with Met Police colleagues in response to the series of arson incidents, which includes specialist officers providing protective security advice and support to a large number of organisations, community venues, and businesses.
