Terror Threat Foiled in Knightsbridge: Man Found Guilty of Attempted Arson
Sam Parsa, 60, from High Road, Tottenham, has been found guilty of attempted arson with intent to endanger life. The chilling incident involved a petrol-soaked rag stuffed into the exhaust pipe of an unattended Iranian diplomatic car near the Iranian Embassy in Knightsbridge.
Quick-Thinking Public Saves Lives
It was a vigilant member of the public who spotted the suspicious bottle sticking out of the car’s exhaust pipe on 6 September 2018 and immediately alerted police. Thanks to this tip-off, territorial officers swiftly seized the bottle, preventing a potentially deadly blaze.
Investigation Unravels Terror Plot
Police launched a full-scale probe. Counter-Terrorism Command detectives used DNA, mobile phone data, and CCTV footage to track down Parsa. They found him in the area at the exact time of the offence. On 28 November 2018, Parsa was arrested, and digital devices were seized from his home.
Commander Richard Smith, head of Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “I am pleased with this conviction. Sam Parsa carried out a very reckless act which could have endangered lives. Thanks to the thorough investigation, we identified Parsa quickly and secured vital evidence proving he was at the scene.” “I also praise the public member who spotted the dangerous device and informed police straight away. Police rely on public vigilance and urge everyone to report suspicious activity.”
Next Steps: Parsa Faces Sentence
Parsa was charged on 7 April and later bailed to appear at the Old Bailey on 7 December. He has now been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 25 January 2021.
The case sends a clear message: sharp eyes and swift police action can stop terror in its tracks on UK soil.
