London Arson Attacks Under Counter-Terror Investigation

Counter-terrorism police are investigating three separate arson attacks in north-west London that targeted Iranian dissidents and Jewish businesses over recent days and weeks.

The latest incident occurred Friday in Hendon, where a man attempted to ignite a plastic bag containing fluid at a business. This follows earlier attacks against an Iranian dissident and Jewish targets in the same area.

Counter-terrorism investigators are examining whether the Iranian state ordered these attacks. The Metropolitan Police said specialist detectives are leading the investigation, though none of the incidents have been officially declared terrorist attacks yet.

The attacks come amid growing fears that Iran is conducting operations against perceived enemies on British soil. Iranian dissidents and Jewish communities have been frequent targets of Tehran's overseas operations in recent years.

All three incidents occurred in the same north-west London area, suggesting a coordinated campaign rather than random attacks.