A Shomrim volunteer has said the Golders Green attacker had “hate in his eyes” as he set upon two Jewish bystanders with a knife on Wednesday morning.
Ben Grossnass, who was on the scene for the volunteer security service, told reporters: “We received a phone call to the hotline that man was stabbing people. Shomrim was first on the scene.
"[The attacker] came outside a synagogue and started stabbing people, he pushed one of the victims over and continued stabbing him. He had hate in his eyes.”
Another Shomrim volunteer, Stephen Bak, added: “We still haven't got over the Hatzola arson, how much more can we take?
"Kids here are in fear of walking and going to the shops at the synagogues.”
Shomrim has confirmed that their volunteers were first to the scene and subdued a suspect until police arrived.
A man has now been taken into police custody after police deployed a taser when he attempted to stab officers. The two Jewish victims, one in his 70s and one in his 30s, are in stable condition in hospital.
A Met Police spokesperson said: “An investigation is underway and a man has been arrested following a stabbing incident in Barnet.
"Local officers and armed officers attended, alongside the London Ambulance Service.
“The suspect also attempted to stab police officers, and was Tasered before being arrested. No officers were injured.
“Two men – one in his 70s and one in his 30s – were treated at the scene for stab wounds. They have been taken to hospital and both are in a stable condition.
"A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He was taken into custody, where he remains. We are working to establish his nationality and background.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, said: “Our thoughts are with the victims of this horrific attack. We are grateful to officers who swiftly Tasered and arrested the suspect before he could cause further harm.
“We are aware of the significant distress and concern this incident is likely to cause in the face of a number of incidents in the local area. A suspect is in custody, and investigators are considering all possible motives.
“Officers will remain at the scene for some time to carry out further enquiries, speak to local people and offer reassurance.”
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