Golders Green terror suspect ‘concerned in earlier altercation’ earlier than double stabbing

Police were called just before 9am on Wednesday, where the suspect was reported to have been armed with a knife at a property in Great Dover Street before 2 men were stabbed

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Counter Terrorism Police investigating the Golders Green stabbing said they are searching an address after it was reported the suspect had been involved in a prior “altercation” with another person.

The man being held on suspicion of attempted murder following the suspected terrorist attack is a British national born in Somalia, police confirmed in an update on Wednesday night.

He was initially taken to hospital, but has since been discharged and taken to a London police station – where he remains in custody, the Metropolitan Police said.

Detectives are now investigating an incident that was reported in south-east London earlier on Wednesday, which is believed to involve the same suspect arrested in Golders Green.

Police were called just before 9am on Wednesday, where the suspect was reported to have been armed with a knife at a property in Great Dover Street.

The suspect was said to have been involved in an “altercation” with the occupant, who was left with minor injuries.

Officers carried out searches in the local area for the suspect but he was not located, the force added.

A Met Police spokesperson said: “The Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London investigation into an attack in Golders Green where two men were stabbed remains ongoing.

“At 11:16hrs on Wednesday 29 April, officers responded following reports of people stabbed in Highfield Avenue.

“Local officers and armed officers attended, alongside the London Ambulance Service.

“The suspect also attempted to stab police officers, and was Tasered before being arrested. No officers were injured.

“Two men – aged 76 and 34 – were treated at the scene for stab wounds. Both men were taken to hospital and where they remain in a stable condition.

“A 45-year-old man, who is a British national, born in Somalia, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He was initially taken to hospital but has since been discharged and has been taken to a London police station where he remains in police custody.”

The attack in Golders Green was formally declared a terrorist incident.

Officers are carrying out a search at an address in south east London.

The force added: “As part of this investigation, detectives are also looking into an incident that was reported to police earlier today in south east London. It is believed that the suspect in this incident is the same individual arrested in Golders Green.

“Police were called at approximately 08:50hrs on 29 April to an incident at an address in Great Dover Street, SE1. The suspect who is reported to have been armed with a knife, is believed to have had an altercation with the occupant before leaving.

“The occupant received minor injuries and police arrived within around six minutes of being called. Officers carried out searches in the local area for the suspect, but he was not located.

“Officers also carried out enquiries to locate the man at an address connected to the suspect, but again, he was not located.

“The focus of the investigation team remains on securing justice for the victims of this terrible attack.

Detectives are keen to hear from anyone who may have information about this incident that could assist the investigation.”