Three people have been arrested after an attempted arson attack on the offices of dissident Iranian TV network Iran International.
Police confirmed that an “ignited container” was thrown towards the premises of a “Persian language media organisation” in North West London. The JC understands that this was Iran International.
The perpetrators then fled the scene in a black SUV, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed.
A 16-year-old boy and two men, aged 19 and 21, were subsequently arrested after a vehicle matching that description failed to stop for armed police, prompting a high-speed chase.
The car then crashed on Ballards Lane, at which point the trio were arrested on suspicion of arson and endangering life. A police cordon was put in place around the area, and several nearby residential buildings were evacuated.
A Met spokesperson added: “A number of buildings nearby were evacuated as a precaution, although it was quickly established there was no wider risk.
“The attack is not being treated as a terrorist incident but is being investigated by detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing London, supported by officers from the North West Command Area.”
However, they also confirmed that it is not currently being treated as connected to the attempted firebombing of the nearby Finchley Reform Synagogue on Wednesday, nor the arson attack against Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green last month.
Commenting on the attack, security expert Roger Macmillan told the JC: "Iran International is not an opportunistic target. It is a designated, pre-existing objective of the Iranian regime, a broadcaster the regime has spent years trying to silence through assassination plots, surveillance operations on its London offices, and the seizure of assets belonging to journalists' families inside Iran.
"What is also striking is the method. A poorly executed, low-tech attack, apparently carried out by very young individuals — a 16-year-old among those arrested. This is entirely consistent with the operational model... employed across Europe: violence as a service, recruits who likely had no understanding of who directed them or why, and a brand waiting to claim the result. Low sophistication, but real potential for harm — and a model that will only grow bolder if left unchecked.
“The government must proscribe the IRGC. Not review it. Not legislate for it eventually. Act. The safety of journalists and free media on British soil demands nothing less.”
This is a developing story. Please refresh the page for more updates as they arrive.
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