The terror threat in the UK has been raised to severe meaning another attack is “highly likely”.
The Government announced the upgrade as Londoners and Britain’s Jewish community are reeling from Wednesday’s horrific terror attack on two men in north London.
Sir Keir Starmer called on “everyone decent in this country to open their eyes to Jewish pain, Jewish suffering and Jewish fear”
He vowed to use the “full power of the state” to tackle hatred against Britain’s Jewish community in an address from Downing Street.
He spoke a few hours after he was heckled as he visited Golders Green in the wake of yesterday’s terror attack.
A group of around 100 people could be heard chanting “Keir Starmer, Jew harmer” and held posters with the same slogan as he arrived.
Community leaders have called on the Government to do more to fight antisemitism following a spate of attacks in recent weeks.
The Met has said suspect in the stabbings had previously been referred to the government's counter-extremism Prevent programme in 2020 and the referral was closed in the same year.
He has been named by media as Somalia-born British national Essa Suleiman.
Before the attack in which two Jewish men were stabbed, the suspected knifeman was involved in an “altercation” in south London earlier in the day which left another person injured, police believe.
A further £25 million will be invested to increase security for Jewish communities after the attack.
Scroll down for the latest updates.
Golders Green attack suspect faces court on attempted murder charges - live updates
Police feared Golders Green attacker might have a bomb, says Met chief
Stephen Flynn calls for emergency financial support as UK faces ‘cliff edge’
Met chief slams 'misinformed' Polanksi over Golders Green suspect arrest criticism
Key Points
- Everything we know so far
- Golders Green suspect named as Essa Suleiman
- Who is the Golders Green terror attack suspect?
- London synagogues prepare for possible chemical attack
- Starmer heckled by demonstrators
- Video: Protester slammed against car by police officer
- Body-worn footage shows moment suspect arrested
- Terror suspect had been known to Prevent programme
Coverage ends
Thursday 30 April 2026 22:37 , Megan HoweOur coverage of the Golders Green stabbing has ended for this evening and will resume tomorrow.
Met Police chief Mark Rowley slams Green Party leader Zack Polanski for his 'misinformed' criticism over the Golders Green suspect arrest
Thursday 30 April 2026 21:22 , Megan HowePolanski was criticised for retweeting a post on X suggesting that the police used excessive force when detaining the suspect in the Golders Green stabbing.
The Green Party leader reposted a tweet which, referring to Mark Rowley, read: “So essentially his officers were repeatedly and violently kicking a mentally ill man in the head when he was already incapacitated by a Taser.”
Responding to the criticism, Sir Mark said he was “disappointed” by the repost, labelling it “inaccurate” and “misinformed”, saying it had a “casual disregard for the incredibly challenging and dangerous work police officers do to protect the public”.
“It is entirely possible the author of the post you retweeted had direct experience from the scene, or has years of experience handling complex, violent situation[s],” he said.
“Yet I suspect the more likely scenario is that they [are] another armchair critic, who thinks they could do the job, possibly more effectively than the brave officers who successfully detained that individual.”
Fire chiefs say blaze in Stamford Hill was not believed to have been started deliberately
Thursday 30 April 2026 21:15 , Megan HoweFifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters were called to tackle a blaze at a terraced property in Cazenove Road, Stamford Hill, at 4.14pm today.
Three people were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, LFB said, while two were taken to hospital for further treatment.
The Metropolitan Police said it was "early stages" and was "keeping an open mind as to the cause of the fire".
The force added: "We appreciate that given the location of the fire and proximity to the synagogue, there will undoubtedly be community concern."
However, in an update on Thursday evening, LFB said it did not believe the fire was started deliberately, although investigations remain ongoing.
Terror threat raised to 'severe'
Thursday 30 April 2026 18:04 , Matt WattsHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood urged people to be “vigilant” as she announced that the UK terrorism threat level has been raised.
“Yesterday’s abhorrent, antisemitic attack was a vile act of terrorism,” she said. “My thoughts today remain with the victims, and with the whole Jewish community at a time of deep disquiet and fear.
“My deepest thanks go to the volunteers and emergency services, a number of whom I met today. Their actions saved lives and they are, and forever will be, heroes.
“Today, the national threat level has increased to ‘severe’, which means a terrorist attack is considered highly likely.
“I know this will be a source of concern to many, particularly amongst our Jewish community, who have suffered so much.
“The Government has today announced a significant increase in investment to protect our Jewish communities, with record funding for policing and security at synagogues, schools and community centres. And we will do everything in our power to rid society of the evil of antisemitism.
“As the threat level rises, I urge everyone to be vigilant, as they go about their daily lives, and report any concerns they have to the police. And I can assure everyone that our world-class security services and the police are working, day and night, to keep our country safe.”
Starmer: We will learn any lessons necessary around Prevent
Thursday 30 April 2026 17:14 , Matt WattsSir Keir Starmer said the Government needed to be “open to learning any further lessons” on its Prevent anti-extremism programme after the Golders Green attack.
Asked whether Prevent was working, given the suspect had been reported to the programme, the Prime Minister said: “The investigation is obviously still ongoing, and so we haven’t got all the facts yet.
“But prevent was reviewed and we made changes after the Southport attack.
“We need to be open to learning any further lessons that may come out of this investigation, but we’re a very early stage at this point.”
Government could toughen up approach to protests
Thursday 30 April 2026 17:11 , Matt WattsThe Government is looking at string of new measures to target anti-Jewish hate in the UK, Keir Starmer has said.
“We’re looking at what further measures we can take on protests, particularly in relation to chants, to banners and the repeated nature of protests,” he said.
“We’re of course looking at what more needs to be done in health and education, and we will fast-track powers to deal with malign state actors. So there is a lot that is being done.
“Of course we need to do everything we can, but we do also need to ensure that this is something the whole country is prepared to call out, to see and to fight against.”
Starmer: Those who attend pro-Palestine marches alongside 'infitada' chanters are condoning call for terrorism
Thursday 30 April 2026 16:54 , Matt WattsThe Prime Minister said those attending pro-Palestine marches standing “alongside people who say ‘globalise the intifada’, you are calling for terrorism against Jews”.
Sir Keir Starmer said: “Take the marches that happen regularly across Britain.
“Of course, we protect freedom of speech and peaceful protest in this country, but if you are marching with people wearing pictures of paragliders without calling it out, you are venerating the murder of Jews.
“If you stand alongside people who say, ‘globalise the Intifada’, you are calling for terrorism against Jews, and people who use that phrase should be prosecuted.
“It is racism, extreme racism, and it has left a minority community in this country scared, intimidated, wondering if they belong.
“So I say again, this Government will do everything in our power to stamp this hatred out, we will strengthen our security and protect our Jewish community.
“But I also call on everyone decent in this country to open their eyes to Jewish pain, Jewish suffering and Jewish fear.”
Starmer: Scared Jews' fear has turned to 'terror'
Thursday 30 April 2026 16:49 , Matt WattsSir Keir Starmer said Jews in the UK are “scared” and that the anxiety became “terror” in the Golders Green attack.
The Prime Ministerin his address listed a recent slew of attacks targeting Jews and said: “And so people are scared, scared to show who they are in their community, scared to go to synagogue to practice their religion, scared to go to university as a Jew, to send their children to school as a Jew, to tell their colleagues that they are Jewish, even to use our NHS.“
Nobody should live like that in Britain, but Jews do.“And so yesterday, this anxiety that is always there went to another place, to terror, frankly. That is the right word.”
UK needs new powers to 'tackle the malign threat posed by states like Iran'
Thursday 30 April 2026 16:43 , Matt WattsThe UK needs new powers to “tackle the malign threat posed by states like Iran” that “want to harm British Jews”, Sir Keir Starmer said.
He also pledged more funding for Jewish security services and to speed up sentencing for antisemitic crimes to act as a deterrent after the Golders Green attack.
During his Downing Street statement, he said: “I want to thank the Jewish security services… who prevented a much greater tragedy yesterday.
“I met some of the first responders today, and on behalf of the country, I thank them for their bravery. We will strengthen the visible police presence in our Jewish communities.
“We will increase our investment in those Jewish security services. We will introduce much stronger powers to shut down charities that promote antisemitic extremism.
“We will prevent hate preachers from entering our country, bar them from our campuses, our streets, our communities. Work with our justice system to speed up sentencing on antisemitic attacks so there is a stronger deterrence factor.
“And we need stronger powers to tackle the malign threat posed by states like Iran, because we know for a fact that they want to harm British Jews, which is why we will fast track the necessary legislation”.
Starmer: UK must open its eyes to Jewish pain, suffering and fear
Thursday 30 April 2026 16:40 , Matt WattsSir Keir Starmer called on “everyone decent in this country to open their eyes to Jewish pain, Jewish suffering and Jewish fear”, as he addressed the nation in the wake of the terrorist attack in Golders Green.
Speaking from Downing Street the Prime Minister said events like the attack in Golders Green “keep happening”,
“At moments like this, we often say, this is not Britain that these attacks are an affront to British values, to British tolerance, British decency. But they keep happening, don’t they?
“And so today, instead, I will simply say that our values are not a gift handed down generation to generation.
“They are something we earn each day through action. They come from us.
“Antisemitism is an old, old hatred, history shows that the roots are deep, and if you turn away, it grows back.
“Yet, far too many people in this country diminish it. They either don’t see it or they don’t want to see it.”
Golders Green suspect named as Essa Suleiman
Thursday 30 April 2026 15:24 , Tom PlaceThe suspect in the Golders Green attacks has now been named in multiple places as Essa Suleiman.
Suleiman is a 45-year-old British citizen who was born in Somalia before coming to the UK legally as a child.
Met Police chief Mark Rowley has said that he has a "history of serious violence and mental health issues."
Suleiman was treated briefly in hospital after his arrest and he remains in police custody.
An address in south-east London is being searched.
Starmer: 'My government is taking immediate action'
Thursday 30 April 2026 15:18 , Tom PlaceKeir Starmer has told Jewish people that they belong in the UK, in a social media post after visiting Golders Green.
Yesterday’s terror attack wasn’t an isolated incident, it was the latest attack on the Jewish community for being Jewish.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 30, 2026
Today I spoke with volunteers, first responders from Shomrim and Hatzola to thank them for their bravery.
I know that this is a deeply worrying time for the… pic.twitter.com/9SU6YvbF58
Starmer posted on X: “Yesterday’s terror attack wasn’t an isolated incident, it was the latest attack on the Jewish community for being Jewish.
“Today I spoke with volunteers, first responders from Shomrim and Hatzola to thank them for their bravery.
“I know that this is a deeply worrying time for the whole community.
“My government is taking immediate action.
“We’ve increased enhanced funding for police patrols and protective security and we’re fast-tracking legislation to deal with malign state actors.
“My message to Jewish people is this: you belong here, and we will do everything we can to keep you safe.”
Yusuf: Strip suspect of citizenship if found guilty
Thursday 30 April 2026 15:13 , Tom PlaceReform UK's home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf has called for the suspect Golders Green attack to be stripped of his British citizenship if found guilty.
The suspect, a 45-year-old British national who was born in Somalia, was arrested by police officers following the stabbing of two Jewish men on Wednesday.
In a post on X, Yusuf said: “The suspect in the Golders Green attack was born in Somalia and granted British citizenship.
"If found guilty, I would use the Home Secretary’s existing powers under the British Nationality Act 1981 to strip him of his citizenship and deport him from our shores."
Starmer tells Jewish volunteers attacks 'could have been a lot worse'
Thursday 30 April 2026 14:59 , Tom PlacePrime Minister Keir Starmer told volunteers at a Jewish community ambulance centre in Golders Green this afternoon how much he “appreciated” their response to the suspected terror attack.
Speaking to the group at Hatzola Northwest, Starmer said the attacks “could have been a lot worse” if it had not been for the work of the emergency personnel.
He added that he felt it was “really important” for him to come to Golders Green the day after the attack.
Badenoch: 'People who look visibly Jewish are terrified'
Thursday 30 April 2026 14:38 , Tom PlaceConservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said that the community in Golders Green do not feel that the Government is doing enough to protect Jewish people.
Speaking on BBC Radio London this morning, Badenoch said: “We do need to see an increased police presence.
“The Government has said it’s giving money – I don’t know exactly what the money is for, I don’t know if that money is enough.
“I do know that Shomrim, that community group say that they have never had any money from Government. They are having to look after themselves.
“We’re very lucky that there were police officers close by as well who supported them in apprehending the terrorists.
“But they were terrified and so are the men and women and the children, in fact, living in Barnet, but all over the country, people who look visibly Jewish, in particular, they’re terrified.”
Starmer leaves Golders Green to further heckles
Thursday 30 April 2026 14:30 , Tom PlaceKeir Starmer’s security convoy has now left the Jewish community ambulance centre, with demonstrators again heckling as it departed.
After arriving around 12.20pm, Starmer left Hatzola Northwest at around 1.45pm.
Speaking to PA, protester Matthew, 62, from north London, said: “I’m coming to stand with my community and protest against the endless platitudes that are offered up after every incident.
“I’m tired of Cobra meetings. I want to see action.”
Levi was also protesting, holding a banner with the slogan “Keir Starmer Jew Harmer”.
He said: “We are here today because Keir Starmer has come to the Jewish community but instead of looking to speak to us, he went instead behind the gates.”
What is Prevent?
Thursday 30 April 2026 14:16 , Tom PlaceThe Met has said the suspect in the Golders Green attack was referred to the Government’s Prevent counter-extremism programme in 2020.
The Prevent programme, which Counter Terrorism Policing says aims to stop individuals becoming terrorists, places a legal duty on public bodies to identify people who may turn to extremism.
Figures like teachers, social services, faith leaders or doctors are required to refer any suspicions about people to a local Prevent body, with an assessment then made about whether to take further action.
If further action is taken, experts assess what sort of multi-agency support could benefit the individual and how best to manage risks.
Starmer meets with Jewish community
Thursday 30 April 2026 14:09 , Tom PlaceKeir Starmer has held a roundtable with first responders and leaders from Hatzola as well as Shomrim, a volunteer Jewish security group, in Golders Green this afternoon.
He was joined by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Sarah Sackman, MP for Finchley and Golders Green, as well as Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley.
Speaking to one of the volunteers, Ms Mahmood said: “Keeping the community safe, running to towards risk is sadly necessary.”
'I can’t stand this man'
Thursday 30 April 2026 14:04 , Tom PlaceNiaz Maleknia, 57, was one of the demonstrators protesting in Golders Green this afternoon.
Speaking to the Press Association, she said: “I can’t stand this man, so that’s why I’m here, because he has done nothing but stand in the way of Donald Trump and Israel.
“And the reason why this place is such a mess and we’re all getting attacked is because of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and he’s standing with them.
“So that’s why I’m here, because this man just needs waking up.”
Ms Maleknia, who is Iranian-Jewish, said she wants the Government to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation and shut down the Iranian Embassy.
London synagogues prepare for possible chemical attack
Thursday 30 April 2026 13:58 , Tom PlaceLondon’s Jewish community is bolstering defences against the threat of a chemical or biological weapons attack, The Standard has been told.
Following the series of arson strikes in north London and the stabbing of two people in Golders Green, a senior MP warned of a growing risk of a larger scale terror strike on Jewish sites in the capital if, as suspected, Iran is behind the recent spate of attacks.
Ministers are also being urged to step up security at civilian sites where nuclear material is stored to avoid it being stolen to be used in a “dirty bomb”.
Video: Protester slammed against car by police officer
Thursday 30 April 2026 13:48 , Tom PlaceThe Standard have obtained a video of protester Johnny being slammed against a car by a police officer at the demonstration in Golders Green.
Holding a poster reading “Keir Starmer, Jew harmer”, Johnny is shown walking into the road in front of a convoy of cars carrying the Prime Minister when an officer intervenes.
Grabbing Johnny, the officer pushes him up against car, telling him “Don’t obstruct the road. Step back.”
Johnny is then released, while the video shows the gathered crowd continuing to heckle Starmer.
'People are frightened'
Thursday 30 April 2026 13:39 , Tom PlaceCries of “Show your face!” and “Keir Starmer is a Jew harmer” are still being chanted just metres away from where the Prime Minister is meeting with Jewish officials and community ambulance services.
Gillian from New Barnet told The Standard that Wednesday’s events were not shocking.
She said “People are frightened and that’s why there’s such a small turnout today because the average person is scared”.
She accused Starmer of not “protecting” the Jewish community and warned such atrocities “will happen again unless big changes are made.”
Jenny, who is wearing a Stop The Hate jumper, told The Standard about her experiences with antisemitism.
She said in the past few weeks, she has been called “a genocidal baby killer”.
However, this has not deterred her from “being proudly Jewish”.
'We are prepared to get hurt to stand up for our rights'
Thursday 30 April 2026 13:29 , Tom PlaceJohnny and Jamie are two of the protesters stood outside the Hatzola headquarters.
Johnny told The Standard that the protesters are a minority of Jewish people who “are prepared to come out and make sure this Jew hate is stopped.”
He said the remainder of the community are either “scared and terrified” or are hoping “it will just go away.”
“We are prepared to get hurt to stand up for our rights and to protect our community.”
Jamie added that the community “doesn’t want higher walls and bigger gates” but action against “hate marches” and those who openly discriminate against Jews.
He accused Labour of coming up with “soundbite solutions” rather than taking “real action.”
Starmer heckled by demonstrators
Thursday 30 April 2026 13:21 , Tom PlaceDemonstrators heckled the Prime Minister as he arrived at a Jewish community ambulance centre in Golders Green this afternoon.
A group of around 100 people could be heard chanting “Keir Starmer, Jew harmer” and held posters with the same slogan.
They also chanted “Keir Starmer is a traitor” as well as “show your face”.
Starmer is currently inside Hatzola headquarters, where he is meeting with first responders from Hatzola Northwest, a volunteer group whose ambulances were targeted in an arson attack last month.
Both sides of the entrance are lined with protesters and demonstrators holding signs and placards condemning the Prime Minister
Sadiq Khan says more police will be deployed to fight antisemitism 'long-term'
Thursday 30 April 2026 13:10 , Matt WattsSadiq Khan has said more police will be deployed in Jewish neighbourhoods to combat antisemitic hate crime.
The Mayor of London said: “Following the horrific terrorist attack yesterday in Golders Green – which was the latest in a series of antisemitic attacks in our city – Jewish Londoners understandably and rightly want to see more action, not words.
“The Met has surged the policing presence in Barnet over the last four weeks, and there are plans in place to deploy additional policing over the next month.
“This morning, the Government has also announced £25m to boost police patrols in Jewish communities.I welcome this announcement and will be continuing discussions with Ministers and the Met about the additional national funding required to deliver the long-term step-change in policing presence that Jewish Londoners expect and deserve.
“The Met Commissioner and I have set out a proposed new approach to the Government. This would include: growing neighbourhood policing teams in areas with large Jewish populations; creating a new Community Policing Hub near the centre of the Jewish community in Barnet; and adding another investigative team to expedite hate crime investigations.T
“The approach would use the tactics that have been proven to work in other recent operations, including in the West End, where a surge in neighbourhood teams has resulted in a major reduction in crime.Getting the policing response right is critical, but that alone will not be enough.
“As a city, and as a society, we need to confront the virulent tide of antisemitism that has grown stronger in recent years. This requires us all to be tough and uncompromising with antisemites, but also to tackle the root of the problem by focusing on education and prevention.
“That’s why I’ll continue to work with & fund initiatives and organisations from City Hall that work to prevent radicalisation, extremism, combat antisemitism and promote community cohesion.
“As Mayor, I’ll continue to work with the Government, the police, Jewish community groups and others to take the robust action needed to protect Jewish Londoners. I will not rest until Jewish communities feel safe in our city once again, and I urge all Londoners to join this vital fight and speak up against antisemitic hatred.Now more then ever our collective allyship is important.
“I urge Londoners to remain on their guard against those who are trying to exploit this attack to turn London's communities against each other. We must all support our Jewish friends, neighbours and colleagues and not allow the forces of hatred to divide us.”
Terror suspect had been known to Prevent programme
Thursday 30 April 2026 13:01 , Matt WattsThe Metropolitan Police has said the suspect in the double stabbing attack in Golders Green was referred to the Government’s Prevent counter-extremism programme in 2020.
The Met said: “We can confirm the suspect was known to the Prevent programme and was subject to a Prevent referral in 2020, which was closed in 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 fact the suspect had previously been known to Prevent will raise questions about why the referral was closed and whether he should have been more closely watched.
More on Moshe Shine
Thursday 30 April 2026 12:58 , Tom PlaceLocals in the area have shared some more colour on one of the victims, Moshe Shine.
According to a local business owner, Mr Shine is a Hasidic Jew and a prominent member of the Sephardic shul in Golders Green, though he is of Ashkenazi descent.
Starmer set to face protest when he visits Golders Green
Thursday 30 April 2026 12:40 , Matt WattsSir Keir Starmer is set to face a protest during his expected visit to Golders Green today.
A message on Whatsapp circulated across the Jewish community has called for “an emergency protest” against the Prime Minister amid concerns not enough has been done to combat the rise in antisemitism in the UK.
The message on Whatsapp, calling for a protest outside Jewish ambulance Hatzola headquarters, reads: “We need everyone there to make our community’s feelings clear and demand urgent action on Jewish hate.”
The demonstration is organised by a local group who call themselves Stop The Hate.
'You have to keep your eyes open'
Thursday 30 April 2026 12:13 , Tom PlaceItamar, 17, works at Golders Green judaica, Torah Treasures.
He said: “People are always looking out. You have to keep your eyes open.”
He added that he will “100%” be going to Israel this year because of the terror in the area.
Speaking on Shomrim’s involvement in protecting the community, he said the Jewish force were “amazing”.
“I never thought they were good until recent times. They’ve been here before the police every time”.
Torah Treasures is just one of the judaicas on Golders Green Road, specialising in the sale of Jewish items, such as seder plates, books, and kiddush cups.
Several shop owners with overtly Jewish businesses have expressed fear in recent times.
Farage calls for action against pro-Palestine marches
Thursday 30 April 2026 12:08 , Tom PlaceNigel Farage has called on Keir Starmer to take tougher action on pro-Palestine marches.
Speaking to reporters in Golders Green on Thursday, the Reform UK leader said: “I’m afraid we have allowed marches to take place, with chants being heard over the streets of London and other cities.
“We’ve not acted and the Government has been weak, weak, weak on all of this.
“I’m not pretending we can reverse this tide of hatred overnight. We can’t. It’s here. It’s embedded.”
Polanski slammed for tweet criticising terror attack police
Thursday 30 April 2026 12:03 , Tom PlaceZack Polanski has been criticised for appearing to suggest hero officers who disarmed the Golders Green terror suspect were heavy-handed in their approach.
The leader of the Green Party shared a social media post that stated police had “repeatedly and violently” kicked “a mentally ill man”.
Tory MP Neil O'Brien said: “As usual, the Greens' sympathies are with the terrorist rather than the brave police officers stopping him.”
'I’ll take my chances with ballistic missiles'
Thursday 30 April 2026 11:58 , Tom PlaceBen Ben Dahan, one of the owners at Menachem’s Butchers, told The Standard that the government’s £25 million investment into protection of Jewish communities means little.
He said: “At the end of the day, if it is the status quo to be anti semitic, [the money] will not change anything.”
His mother is leaving for Israel in the coming days.
She said: “I’ll take my chances with ballistic missiles. I’m angry at the government for not taking this threat seriously.”
Starmer: 'Attack on Jewish community is an attack on all of us'
Thursday 30 April 2026 11:51 , Tom PlaceSir Keir Starmer has said “we have to be really clear that an attack on our Jewish community is an attack on all of us and we have to approach it in that way.”
The Prime Minister said “we have to understand” the “visceral feeling” among many British Jews.
He added: : “We do stand with our Jewish community – of course we do – but it’s our fight as well. It’s the fight of everyone in this country.”
Sir Keir was speaking ahead of a meeting with criminal justice agencies in Downing Street this morning, which was attended by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer, security minister Dan Jarvis, and Sarah Sackman, the justice minister who is Finchley and Golders Green MP.
He added: “What we saw last night was people being targeted because they are Jewish, I’m absolutely clear about that. There’s no getting away from the fact that this was not a one-off.
“This has been a series of attacks on our Jewish community, particularly in recent weeks, and there is a very deep sense of anxiety, of concern about security, about safety, about identity frankly.”
Who is the Golders Green terror attack suspect?
Thursday 30 April 2026 11:37 , Tom PlacePolice have arrested a 45-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder after the attack in Golders Green on Wednesday.
Scotland Yard said the suspect is a British national who was born in Somalia.
Farage: 'Expel the Iranian ambassador'
Thursday 30 April 2026 11:32 , Tom PlaceSpeaking to reporters in Golders Green, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the Prime Minister should expel the Iranian ambassador and proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as terrorist organisations.
Farage said: “We don’t do it because we keep on pandering, we keep on appeasing a certain section of the electorate.
“There were some basic suggestions that I’ve been making now for two or three years.”
Farage said that tougher action was needed, after the Iranian embassy posted a message calling for expats to “sacrifice their lives for the homeland” on its Telegram channel.
He added: “Just a few days ago, a call (was made) that is literally a whisker away from advocating the setting up of a paramilitary organization within this country. What has happened thus far? Well, the ambassador has been summoned for a cup of tea.
“Frankly, if we mean it, we should expel the ambassador and say we will never have embassies in our country encouraging this kind of behaviour.”
Farage also praised the first responders from Shomrim, a volunteer Jewish security group, who helped in the aftermath of Wednesday’s attack.
He said: “These are brave boys. They were the first going in there yesterday at great risk to themselves.
“They were first on the ground, and clearly they’re going to need a lot more help and support.”
Nova victim's parents: 'Is there a future for us here?'
Thursday 30 April 2026 11:26 , Tom PlaceMichael and Lisa Marlow lost their son, Jake Marlow, at the Nova Festival during the October 7th attack.
Born and raised in North London, Jake was working as an unarmed security guard at the festival when he was fatally shot nine times.
Mr Marlow said that Wednesday’s attack on innocent Jewish people “did not shock” them, noting that their son Jake left for Israel after not feeling “safe” in the UK.
The parents condemned Prime Minister Keir Starmer and London Mayor Sadiq Khan for “hardly being in contact” with the Jewish community.
Mr Marlow said: “We’re harmless. But is there a future for us here? I don’t know.”
Lots of support for Reform
Thursday 30 April 2026 11:15 , Tom PlaceThere is large support for Nigel Farage and Reform UK’s local election candidate Mark Shooter among the Jewish community in Golders Green today.
One gentleman, who did not want to be named, told The Standard that he believed Reform UK was the only party willing to represent “the Jewish voice”.
He reflected on anti-Jewish sentiment in the 1940s, adding that “everyone has a responsibility to stand with the Jewish community.”
Farage has visited local family-run Jewish bakery Grodz, as well as Gross Butchers and Kosher Kingdom, to talk to local business owners.
'It’s become normalised that Jews need security to live their lives'
Thursday 30 April 2026 11:02 , Tom PlaceDebra Miller and her husband own the Bitz of Glitz shop in Golders Green.
Speaking to the Standard, they say a cordon was in place until 2am in Golders Green in a reactive attempt to protect the community.
“I’m disgusted by the Met’s investment,” said Mrs Miller, calling for “real action” and the punishment of those responsible.
“Why should we need people to protect us?” she said.
Mr Miller added: “We don’t want to live in a militant city. It’s become normalised that Jews need security to live their lives.”
He explained that many in the community are multigenerational British Jews who are for the first time looking to move away from the UK.
Jewish community police Shomrim were the first on the scene of the incident yesterday.
Mrs Miller says she wonders what would have happened if they had not intervened.
Farage: 'Who's next?'
Thursday 30 April 2026 10:53 , Tom PlaceNigel Farage spoke to two Shomrim security officers as he arrived in Golders Green following the stabbing of two Jewish men in the street on Wednesday.
The Reform UK leader spoke to media at the scene on Thursday, accusing the Prime Minister of failing to act.
He said: “Prime Minister, frankly, we’ve seen no action of any kind.
“Suffice to say that this is not just an attack on Jewish people. This is much bigger, much broader, much more fundamental, and if you’re the group currently being targeted, well, who’s next?”
Protest on Wednesday evening
Thursday 30 April 2026 10:50 , Tom PlaceA protest took place on Golders Green Road on Wednesday evening, close to where the attack took place and near the memorial wall where an attempted arson attack took place on Monday.
Organised by campaign group Stop The Hate, at least 150 protesters marched down the road chanting and waving flags, with deputy leader of Reform UK Richard Tice and shadow home secretary Chris Philp speaking to demonstrators.
Suspect 'known to Prevent'
Thursday 30 April 2026 10:42 , Tom PlaceThe suspect in the Golders Green attack was known to police and the government’s Prevent anti-terror programme, the Mail have reported.
Metropolitan Police chief Mark Rowley said on Wednesday the suspect has a “history of serious violence and mental health issues”.
It has now been claimed that the man, a British national born in Somalia, was known to Prevent, the government’s deradicalisation programme.
Farage speaks to Shomrim
Thursday 30 April 2026 10:36 , Tom Place
Boy George: 'You could feel panic in the air'
Thursday 30 April 2026 10:32 , Tom PlaceBoy George has revealed he was at the scene of the attack in Golders Green on Wednesday.
The Culture Club singer, 64, posted a video on X, and shared his support for the Jewish community.
I was in Golders Green yesterday. I arrived just as the police presence was building. My heart goes out to the two Jewish victims and to their loved ones. We need to make our Jewish community know we support them. Even before I knew what had happened I was in tears because you… pic.twitter.com/Xa1kGkQ0p3
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) April 30, 2026
The post read: “I was in Golders Green yesterday. I arrived just as the police presence was building.
“My heart goes out to the two Jewish victims and to their loved ones. We need to make our Jewish community know we support them. Even before I knew what had happened I was in tears because you could feel panic in the air.
“These are just regular people getting with their lives. London has always been a great multicultural city. Our Jewish community brings us so much. They are an integral part of the fabric of this city.”
Farage arrives
Thursday 30 April 2026 10:21 , Tom PlaceNigel Farage has arrived on site at Golders Green.
“This is the only person who can save Golders Green,” say his supporters, as the Reform UK leader speaks to Shomrim by the Memorial Wall.
Body-worn footage shows moment suspect arrested
Thursday 30 April 2026 10:12 , Tom PlacePolice have released body-worn footage showing the moment the suspect in the terror attack was Tasered and arrested on Wednesday.
The footage shows two officers ordering the man to “get down on the ground”. When he refuses, he is tasered as the officers move in and manage to remove a weapon from the man during a struggle, before arresting him on suspicion of attempted murder.
The scene at Golders Green
Thursday 30 April 2026 10:06 , Tom PlaceThe Standard are on site at Golders Green this morning.
There is an elevated police presence, but it is currently fairly quiet.
Nigel Farage is expected to arrive shortly - we will bring you all of the latest news here.
'I go to synagogue. I’m frightened'
Thursday 30 April 2026 10:03 , Tom PlaceA Jewish man who discovered that a man had been stabbed outside his house on Highbury Avenue has said he felt “just terrible”.
Danny Grunfeld, 75, has lived in Golders Green for 43 years. He told the Press Association: “It’s very frightening, a very precarious and dangerous situation.
“It’s not a pleasant situation when you feel any minute you’re getting out, your life is in danger.
“We look around all the time. It’s horrible. That’s the best word. It’s just a horrible situation. I go to synagogue. I’m frightened.”
When asked if he believed enough was being done to tackle antisemitism, Mr Grunfeld said: “I think the police are doing all they can and everything.
“But I think these, these marches that go on all the time, you never get these regular marches with other countries.
“The whole world seems to have an obsession with Israel and the Jewish people.”
Terror suspect believed to be involved in prior 'altercation'
Thursday 30 April 2026 09:54 , Tom PlaceThe suspect in the Golders Green terror attack was involved in a prior “altercation” with another person in south London earlier in the day, police believe.
Officers were called to an address in Great Dover Street in Southwark at around 8.50am, where a suspect armed with a knife is believed to have had an altercation with the occupant before leaving.
The occupant suffered minor injuries, but the suspect was not found and officers believe he is the same man arrested in Golders Green.
Everything we know so far
Thursday 30 April 2026 09:50 , Tom PlaceA terrorist incident has been declared after the attack on two Jewish men in Golders Green on Wednesday.
Police restrained the knife-wielding suspect at the scene, and the two victims are in hospital in a stable condition.
You can read everything we know about the incident so far here.
'They want us to feel frightened'
Thursday 30 April 2026 09:44 , Tom PlaceA Jewish man who lives in front of the bus stop where one of the stabbings took place said he will not allow himself to be frightened by the attack.
Joseph Deutsch, 80, said he has always lived in Golders Green.
He told the Press Association: “I’m not going to give into it. That’s exactly what they want us to feel: frightened.”
”You know it’s going to happen. It’s frightening because I remember 40 to 50 years ago that was not the case,” he added.
When he found out the attack had occurred outside his home, he said he was “concerned”, adding: “I went through my mind: Not again. Round two.”
Police cordon lifted
Thursday 30 April 2026 09:35 , Tom PlaceThe police cordon surrounding the scene of yesterday’s attack has been lifted this morning.
Parts of Highfield Avenue, Beverley Gardens and Golders Green Road had been sealed off after Wednesday’s stabbings, but the roads were opened again by 7am on Thursday, with traffic resuming.
Mahmood: 'I am treating this as an emergency'
Thursday 30 April 2026 09:31 , Tom PlaceHome secretary Shabana Mahmood was asked this morning if the recent attacks on Jewish people in the UK are "the biggest national security emergency" in almost a decade.
It comes after the government's independent reviewer of terrorism and state threats legislation, Jonathan Hall KC, said as such on the BBC's The World Tonight.
Mahmood told the BBC that she was treating the situation as an emergency, but that the phrase "national emergency" has particular connotations, for instance suspending elements of democracy.
"That is not quite where we are," she said, while stressing that it is the top security issue that she is dealing with.
£25 million towards security for Jewish communities
Thursday 30 April 2026 09:19 , Tom PlaceThere will be an extra £25 million in funding for increased police patrols and security in Jewish communities after Wednesday's attack in Golders Green, the government has announced.
The funding will also be used to put further protections in place around synagogues, schools and community centres.
Police step up patrols
Thursday 30 April 2026 09:06 , Alastair LockhartPolice across the country have stepped up patrols in response to the attack that saw two Jewish men taken to hospital after being stabbed in the GoldersGreen.
A 45-year-old man, said by police to be a Somali-born British national, was arrested following the incident on Wednesday.
The stabbings are the latest in a series of attacks on Jewish sites over recent weeks and have prompted calls for urgent action and accusations the Government has not done enough to tackle antisemitism.
