Man ‘opens fire’ on youths in Hendon

Two Jewish youths claim they were left fleeing for safety after a man allegedly opened fire on them in a north London street on Tuesday night.

The incident, which occurred in Brent Street, Hendon, resulted in the arrest of a man in his mid-40s on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Police said there is no indication the incident was motivated by antisemitism and Trident officers from the Met’s Specialist Crime unit are investigating.

A search of the man’s home revealed two hand grenades, which are currently being forensically tested to see if they are ‘viable devices’.

Officers also recovered a firearm, which is believed to have be a blank firing weapon, alongside other possible firearms, which have been taken away for forensic testing.
According to a source, who wishes to remain anonymous, the youngsters were waiting at a bus stop when a man from a nearby residence approached them for talking too loudly.

The man was holding a firearm and reportedly started shooting, according to the pair. The boys fled to a nearby synagogue for safety and emergency services were called.

Shortly after 9pm, police officers, including armed police, arrived on the scene and evacuated the nearby area, before searching the man’s home.

All cordons have since been lifted.

According to a statement issued last night from Met Police: “Officers have carried out fast time enquiries and at this stage there is no evidence to suggest this is a hate crime, nor is there any indication that this man was part of any wider group that has sought to do the community harm.

‘However, this investigation is under continued review to ensure all evidence is captured and victim impact is fully understood.”

Chief Superintendent Dan Knowles, in charge of policing for the North West Command Unit, said: “I fully understand how concerned people will be that a man has been arrested for firearms offences in Hendon.

“I can reassure you that my officers quickly attended and arrested a suspect on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

“We are conducting all enquiries as fast as we can and consulting with specialist departments to ensure the investigation is both detailed and comprehensive.

“We are liaising with partners and community groups to keep them fully up to date and we have extra officers in the area to provide reassurance.

“No one has been injured and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this enquiry, but we are not being complacent and will seek all evidence to establish the facts.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or via X (formerly Twitter) @MetCC, quoting CAD7483/17OCT.

CST also posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter) saying: “A man has been arrested and nobody is hurt, following a gun being fired in Hendon. CST is in close contact with police and Shomrim.
“At present, there is no indication from police of antisemitism. There is nothing to suggest any further threat to Jews or wider public.”