Man Sets Fire Near Synagogue in Golders Green Standoff
Police swooped after a man sparked panic in Barnet on 2 February. At around midday, officers were called to a domestic incident on Golders Green Road. The suspect then drove off, leading police on a tense chase.
He ended up at the dead-end of The Riding, NW11, near a local synagogue, around 12:30pm. Here, things took a fiery turn.
Blaze Sparks Police Cordons as Man Flees Scene
Officers confronted the man and cordoned off the area. It’s believed he set fire to an object during the encounter. The suspect fled on foot, sparking a police hunt.
He was caught and arrested by 2pm on suspicion of multiple offences. He refused medical help and was taken into custody.
Community Unscathed But Shaken
- No injuries reported to officers or the public.
- No damage to nearby buildings, including the synagogue.
- Police confirm the incident is not terrorism-related.
Superintendent Louis Smith of the Met’s North West Command Unit reassured locals, saying:
“I know this will have been a very visible and frightening incident for the local community, but please know my officers will be out in the area.
Do talk to them if you have any concerns, we are here to listen and reassure. We will work out what happened as we continue to investigate but for the moment this looks like a self-contained incident.
This is a typical high-pressured situation officers are routinely called out to face. Their courage and commitment to keeping others safe, no matter the consequences, is exactly what I expect of a Met officer.”
