In a shocking incident in Golders Green, north-west London, a knife-wielding attacker targeted two Jewish men before being subdued by heroic members of the public and police. The suspect, aged 45, was Tasered and arrested after attempting to stab officers.
Attack Details
The attack occurred at around 11:15 am on Highfield Avenue. Video footage shows the suspect rushing at a man waiting at a bus stop and stabbing him repeatedly. Two bystanders ran to help, and later, the suspect was in a stand-off with police before being Tasered and restrained with the help of a passer-by.
Victims and Response
The victims, one in his 70s and another in his 30s, are stable in hospital. Volunteers from Shomrim, a civilian security patrol group, arrived within minutes. Ben Grossnass of Shomrim said, 'We got a phone call at 11:20 am. The attacker had CPR after being Tasered.' He added, 'There is a lot of hate in society and antisemitism. The Government must act.'
Political Reaction
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the stabbings 'deeply concerning' and vowed to deal with such offences. However, Israel's foreign ministry said his statements are 'no substitute for confronting the roots of antisemitism'. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis demanded 'meaningful action' beyond condemnation.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the situation as a 'national emergency', while shadow home secretary Chris Philp blamed Iran-sponsored attacks and Islamist extremism. Local MP Sarah Sackman said she is meeting the home secretary to discuss the attack.
Community Concerns
The attack occurred near a Jewish care home and a major charity. It follows a series of antisemitic incidents, including firebombing of Jewish ambulances and arson attacks on synagogues. Counter-terror police are leading the investigation, considering all motives, including terrorism.
Andrew, a local Jewish resident, said, 'It's not a surprise. We are living with antisemitism. Jewish people are having to live in fear.' Karen Pollock of the Holocaust Educational Trust said, 'Attack after attack. Jewish life is under threat not seen for generations.'
Investigation
Specialist officers from Counter-Terrorism Policing are working with the Met. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said, 'Our thoughts are with the victims. Officers swiftly Tasered and arrested the suspect. We are considering all possible motives.' The suspect's nationality and background are being established.
