News
Police arrest suspect following CS spray attack at synagogue
A 30 year-old male has been detained after an alleged altercation with a man in his 60s at a Golders Green shul
November 20, 2017 09:42
A 30 year-old male has been detained after an alleged altercation with a man in his 60s at a Golders Green shul
November 20, 2017 09:42A man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and administering a noxious substance after allegedly carrying out a CS spray attack at a synagogue in Golders Green.
Police detained a 30-year-old male on Sunday, after trawling through CCTV footage following the incident inside the building earlier that day.
The suspect had initally left the scene of the incident following claims of an altercation with a man in his 60s. Police believe the two men are known to one another and ruled out antisemitism as a motive for the attack
A statement from the Metropolitan Police said: “We were alerted at 12.58hrs on Sunday 19 November to reports of an altercation at a synagogue in Golders Green Road. London Fire Brigade also attended.
“When officers arrived, they found a man in his 60s suffering from the effects of being sprayed with an unidentified substance.
“Tests will be carried out to establish the nature of the substance, but it is believed it to be CS gas.
“The man in his 60s was taken to hospital by a community ambulance, where he currently remains having tests. His condition is not life threatening, and not believed to be life changing.
“The parties are believed to be known to each other and antisemitism has been ruled out as a motive.
“The suspect had left the scene after the altercation prior to police arrival. A man aged in his 30s was arrested later on 19 November, on suspicion of assault and administering a noxious substance.”
The Community Security Trust confirmed that following discussions with police the incident was “not a matter of wider concern”.
On Sunday local Shomrim North West spokesman had said: "“Shomrim were called today at 12:55pm that a male suspect had sprayed what was thought to be pepper spray in the synagogue in Golders Green.
"The Synagogue was immediately evacuated by Shomrim and Hatzola volunteers. Barnet Police sealed off the Synagogue and declared the premises an active crime scene. Shomrim volunteers are assisting Barnet Police with the enquiries and the gathering of witness statements and CCTV footage."
To get more news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.