UK Terror Threat Level Raised to ‘Severe’ After Attacks | Golders Green & London Stabbing

The United Kingdom has raised its terrorism threat level to “severe” following a stabbing attack in Golders Green, London, on Wednesday. The move indicates that an attack is considered “highly likely” in the coming months, according to the BBC.

Two men, aged 34 and 76, were stabbed on Golders Green Road on April 29, 2026, after a man attempted to attack Jewish passersby. The assailant initiated an attack on one man at 11:15 BST on Highfield Avenue before chasing him, and shortly after, at 11:20 BST, targeted a second man waiting at a bus stop, repeatedly stabbing him.

The suspect, identified as Essa Suleiman, 45, from south-east London, was detained by Shomrim volunteers before being tasered and arrested by police. He reportedly attempted to stab police officers during his arrest, according to reports from the BBC and The Guardian.

The Metropolitan Police declared the attack a terrorist incident at 15:18 on Wednesday. Commissioner Mark Rowley stated that the suspect has a “history of serious violence and mental health issues.” Police confirmed Suleiman is a British national born in Somalia, arriving in the United Kingdom as a child in the early 1990s.

Suleiman was previously referred to the government’s Prevent counter-terrorism programme in 2020, but the referral was closed the same year, the Metropolitan Police stated.

Iran-Linked Group Claims Responsibility

The Iran-linked group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia has claimed responsibility for the attack. This claim has not been independently verified.

Government Response and Increased Security

The UK government held an emergency meeting in the Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms to coordinate its response to the attack. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised to strengthen police presence in Jewish communities and fast-track powers through Parliament to tackle state-sponsored threats, according to the BBC.

Starmer also urged people in the UK to “open their eyes to Jewish pain,” as reported by RTE.ie. Demonstrators have gathered outside Downing Street demanding “meaningful action” from the Prime Minister following the attack.

Victims’ Condition

Shloime Rand, 34, one of the victims, told the BBC from hospital that he felt “like God’s given me back my life.” Rabbi Levi Schapiro reported on X that Rand had been discharged. Moshe Shine, 76, remains in hospital in stable condition.

Both men were initially treated at the scene by Hatzola before being transported to the hospital.

The UK terrorism threat level was previously set at “substantial,” meaning an attack was likely. The increase to “severe” signifies a heightened concern and increased vigilance from security services.