Two men were attacked in Highfield Avenue this morning and a 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder reports David Floyd

Hendon Town Hall and (inset) Barry Rawlings — Council leader Barry Rawlings has condemned this morning’s attack in Golders Green

The leader of Barnet Council has called for an end to attacks on the Jewish community after two men were stabbed in Golders Green this morning.

The incident in Highfield Avenue took place shortly after 11.15am when two men, aged 76 and 34, were attacked by a 45-year-old man, who was tasered by police and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

The victims were taken to hospital where they are in a stable condition. The suspect remains in police custody.

Responding to the news of the attack, which follows a series of antisemitic incidents in and around Barnet in recent weeks, council leader Barry Rawlings said: “These ongoing attacks on the Jewish community are beyond words and must stop. My thoughts are with the victims and the Jewish community in Barnet.”

Noting the role of Jewish charities, Shomrim and Community Security Trust, Cllr Rawlings added: “I want to pay tribute to Shomrim, who apprehended the perpetrator, as well as the Police, CST and Hatzola. The council continues to work with our key partners in the police, CST, Shomrim and support the local community ”

The Metropolitan Police issued a statement this afternoon confirming that the incident is being treated as an act of terrorism.

The Met’s Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations, Laurence Taylor, said: “Counter Terrorism Policing London are leading the investigation.

“I can also confirm that this has now formally been declared a terrorist incident.

“Our highly specialised teams of officers are working with the Metropolitan Police to progress the investigation quickly – and establish exactly what has happened.

“We are also working with the security services, to ensure we have a full intelligence picture.

“One of the lines of enquiry is whether this attack was deliberately targeting the Jewish community in London.

“That community are strong, but they will be incredibly concerned to see and hear what has happened today, particularly in the wake of other incidents in recent weeks.

“That concern will be felt not just in the capital, but in communities and homes across the UK.

Barnet Council has urged local residents to stay away from the area where the incident took place and to contact police if they have information.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road closures are in place affecting Highfields Avenue, and Golders Green Road at the junction with A406, but further road closures may be announced at short notice.

“This is a developing situation, and we will keep you updated as further information emerges.

“The police have detained an individual and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

The council’s chief executive Cath Shaw also condemned the incident saying: “I am appalled by this senseless antisemitic attack on the Jewish community in Golders Green today. This is a shocking and deeply distressing incident, targeting people simply for who they are.

“My thoughts are with the victims, their families and the wider Jewish community at this time.

“I’d like to thank the emergency services who responded so quickly, including the Police and the volunteer neighbourhood watch charity, Shomrim, who acted so quickly to apprehend the suspect.

“We stand firmly alongside the Jewish community. There is absolutely no place for antisemitism, hatred or violence in Barnet.

“We will continue to work closely with the police and our partners to provide reassurance, support and practical measures to keep residents safe.”

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