British police arrest eight people in connection with suspected arson attacks

British police arrest eight people in connection with suspected arson attacks

UK counterterrorism officers have detained eight individuals linked to an inquiry into possible arson incidents across London, with one plot aimed at a Jewish community-associated site thwarted, authorities announced. The arrests, made in recent days, are part of a broader investigation into alleged plans to set fires, the Metropolitan Police stated in a Tuesday release.

Among the locations where suspects were apprehended are the towns of Harpenden and Stevenage, areas near Birmingham, and the west London suburb of Ealing. The investigation follows a March 23 incident in Golders Green, where several ambulances from a Jewish volunteer rescue group were targeted with fires outside a synagogue. Since then, eight individuals have been charged with arson-related offenses, while 13 others remain under inquiry in custody or on bail.

“Our message is clear: we will not tolerate intimidation of communities and will hold those responsible accountable,” said Vicki Evans, the police’s senior national coordinator for counterterrorism efforts. She also highlighted the possibility that criminal proxies—persons compensated to execute crimes—may be involved in some of the arson cases.

CNN’s James Frater contributed to this report.