Police in London have launched a terrorism investigation following a stabbing attack in Golders Green that left two men injured.
Emergency services were called on Wednesday after Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, were assaulted. Authorities have since classified the incident as a suspected act of terrorism.
Rand’s mother told the BBC she was “horrified” by the attack, expressing concern over violence occurring in public spaces. She added that she hopes her son will recover in time to return home for Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest observed from Friday to Saturday.
A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Police confirmed the suspect is a British national who moved to the United Kingdom as a child from Somalia.
Detectives are also examining a separate altercation at a property in south-east London earlier on Wednesday, which is believed to involve the same suspect.
Meanwhile, the UK government’s independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, Jonathan Hall, said attacks targeting Jewish communities represent “the biggest national security emergency” in nearly a decade.
In response, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced £25 million in funding to strengthen security at synagogues, schools and community centres across the country.