UK's counterterror police probe another London arson attack

Counterterrorism police in London are investigating a recent arson attack on a shop in Hendon, an area with a significant Jewish population.

The incident occurred late on Friday night when a man was seen placing and attempting to ignite three bottles containing fluid near a row of shops.

The bottles failed to fully ignite, causing minimal damage, and the suspect fled the scene.

No injuries were reported in the fire, according to a statement from the Metropolitan Police.

The police have not specified the business targeted in the attack.

This incident follows a similar arson attack on a synagogue in nearby Finchley on Wednesday, for which two people have been arrested.

The latest attack is the third arson incident in northwest London within a month, following the torching of four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green in late March.

The ambulances, operated by a volunteer-led service, suffered significant damage, including explosions caused by gas canisters stored inside.

Counterterrorism officers are leading the investigation into the Hendon fire due to similarities with previous attacks, although at this stage it is not being linked to the other incidents.

Helen Flanagan of the Met's counterterrorism unit emphasized that the police are keeping an open mind regarding the motive.

Police were called to the scene shortly after 10:30 pm on Friday after a man was spotted carrying a plastic bag containing the bottles.

He placed the bag by a building and lit the items inside before fleeing when the fire failed to fully ignite.

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