Counter-terrorism police have arrested a 39-year-old man in Ealing as part of an investigation into a series of arson attacks and related incidents across London.
The man was detained at an address in the borough on Tuesday (21 April 2026) under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and taken into custody. Officers said the arrest was connected to a separate Counter Terrorism Policing inquiry after jars containing a non-hazardous substance were discovered in Kensington Gardens on Friday (17 April 2026).
The arrest came as detectives announced eight further arrests in the past 48 hours linked to investigations into alleged conspiracy to commit arson. Police said they believe the intended target of that alleged plot was a venue connected to the Jewish community, although no specific site has been identified.
Three men aged 24, 25 and 26 were arrested in Harpenden shortly after 9pm on Sunday and were later released on bail. On Monday (20 April 2026), a 25-year-old man was arrested in Stevenage. A 26-year-old man and two women, aged 50 and 59, were also arrested in a car near Birmingham and remain in custody at a London police station.
Since an attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green on 23 March 2026, officers have arrested 23 people. Eight have been charged with arson-related offences, while 13 remain in custody or on bail under active investigation.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said: “We’ve made very clear that we will be relentless in our pursuit of anyone involved in carrying out or planning these arson attacks. Our message is clear, we will not tolerate this intimidation of our communities, and will pursue those responsible.”
