Golders Green terror attack suspect was 'known to police' before two stabbed in rampage

The man suspected of stabbing two men in Golders Green was previously referred to the Government's counter-extremism Prevent programme.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the 45-year-old suspect had been referred to Prevent in 2020 and that the case was closed the same year. "Given the investigation remains ongoing, we will not be providing any further information in respect of this matter at this time and we remain focused on securing justice for the victims of this attack," the force added.

Prevent is a multi-agency programme that forms a key part of the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy. It places a legal duty on public bodies to identify and support individuals who may be drawn into extremism. When someone is assessed as being at risk, they may be referred to the Channel programme, which provides tailored support from experts who understand extremist ideology.

Two Jewish men - 34-year-old Shloime Rand and 76-year-old Moshe Shine - were taken to hospital after being stabbed in north London late on Wednesday morning in an attack police have declared a terrorist incident.

A police officer speaks with residents in Golders Green following the attack (Image: Tim Anderson)

The suspect, described by police as a British national born in Somalia, was Tasered and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder shortly after the incident. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the man came to the UK "lawfully as a child" in the 1990s.

The Metropolitan Police said detectives are also investigating a separate incident in south-east London that was reported several hours before the attack in Golders Green. Police were called to an address in Great Dover Street, in the Borough area of Southwark, at around 8.50am on Wednesday.

"The suspect who is reported to have been armed with a knife, is believed to have had an altercation with the occupant before leaving. The occupant received minor injuries and police arrived within around six minutes of being called," the force said. "It is believed that the suspect in this incident is the same individual arrested in Golders Green."

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams and Barnet Council Chief Executive Cath Shaw said in a joint statement that a "significant number of officers" would be deployed in the south-east London area to support the investigation.

The suspect was Tasered by police in Golders Green

"This gives police officers temporary powers to stop and search people in the area without needing specific suspicion, where there is a risk of serious violence," the statement said. "This is a preventative measure designed to deter further criminality. We were already deploying an increased number of counter-terrorism response vehicles to respond to suspicious activity."

They added there would be an "increased policing presence in and around schools, transport hubs, high footfall areas and faith venues".

Speaking at a roundtable on Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the criminal justice response to the attack must be "swift, agile and visible", shortly after extra funding was announced to increase security for Jewish communities.

A further £25 million will be invested to boost police patrols and protections around synagogues, schools and community centres, taking the total commitment this year to £58 million.

Legislation creating proscription-like powers to pursue people and organisations acting on behalf of malign state-sponsored groups will also be "fast-tracked" in the coming weeks, ministers saId.