A Hendon arson attack has prompted a counter-terrorism investigation after a man attempted to set fire to a business in north London late on Friday night. Emergency services were called to the scene at around 10:31pm following reports of suspicious activity outside a row of shops.
According to police, the suspect approached a shopfront carrying a plastic bag containing three bottles filled with liquid. He then ignited the items in an apparent attempt to start a fire before fleeing the scene.
Fire fails to spread as suspect escapes
The improvised incendiary devices failed to fully ignite, limiting the damage to minor scorching on the shopfront. No injuries were reported, and the incident was quickly brought under control by emergency responders.
Despite the limited impact, authorities have taken the incident seriously due to the method used and similarities with other recent attacks in the area.
Counter-terror police lead probe but no terror link confirmed
The investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London, supported by local officers. At this stage, officials have not classified the Hendon arson attack as a terrorist incident, but say they are keeping an open mind regarding the motive.
Commander Helen Flanagan said the attack is not currently linked to other incidents in north-west London, including a previous arson case in Golders Green, although similarities have prompted specialist involvement.
She stressed that counter-terror officers are leading the inquiry as a precautionary measure and urged the public to come forward with any information or footage that could assist investigators.
Increased police presence to reassure local communities
Local policing teams have stepped up patrols in the area following the incident, with a visible increase in both armed officers and specialist units. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams confirmed that officers are working closely with counter-terror teams to support the investigation and reassure residents.
He acknowledged that the attack may heighten concerns within the community, particularly following similar incidents in recent weeks. Authorities have expanded the use of Project Servator deployments, a policing tactic designed to deter and detect suspicious behaviour through unpredictable patrol patterns.
Rising concerns over arson incidents in North London
The Hendon arson attack comes amid growing concern over a series of fire-related incidents across parts of north-west London. In recent weeks, police have responded to suspected arson cases targeting businesses and community-linked locations, raising fears about safety and potential hate-related motives.
Although none of the incidents have been officially classified as terrorism, the involvement of counter-terrorism units reflects heightened vigilance by authorities. The Metropolitan Police has increasingly relied on specialist resources to address patterns of suspicious activity, particularly where there may be links to organised or ideologically driven acts.
Security experts note that even low-level arson attempts can have a significant psychological impact on communities, especially when repeated over a short period. As a result, police have prioritised visible patrols and rapid response strategies to maintain public confidence.
Ongoing investigation with no arrests so far
At present, no arrests have been made in connection with the Hendon arson attack, and investigations remain ongoing. Officers are continuing to review CCTV footage and forensic evidence from the scene while appealing for witnesses to assist with identifying the suspect.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to pursuing those responsible for what they described as “hateful acts” and ensuring the safety of London’s communities.