A man arrested on suspicion of attempting to murder two Jewish men in north London had previously been referred to the UK government’s counter-extremism programme, Prevent, police have confirmed. Essa Suleiman, 45, is currently in police custody following the attack in Golders Green on Wednesday morning. He is accused of targeting Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76.

According to the Metropolitan Police, Suleiman had been referred to Prevent in 2020. However, the case was closed later that same year without further action. Officials say Suleiman was born in Somalia and moved to the UK as a child in the early 1990s. He later became a British citizen. In the aftermath of the attack—one of several recent incidents—there have been renewed calls for stronger measures to combat antisemitism and improve protections for Jewish communities across the country.

Keir Starmer responded by pledging that the government would “bring the full power of the state” to address the issue.

Police have also revealed that the suspect has a history of serious violent behaviour and mental health concerns. Investigators are examining whether he may be linked to another incident in south London the previous day.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that their priority is securing justice for the victims.

Prevent, a central element of the UK’s counter-terrorism framework, requires public sector workers—including teachers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders—to report concerns about individuals who may be at risk of radicalisation. Cases are then assessed to determine whether intervention or support is necessary.

Authorities have classified the Golders Green attack as a terrorist incident.

During the arrest, officers deployed a Taser and restrained the suspect after he reportedly refused to drop a knife. Footage from the scene shows him still holding the weapon despite repeated instructions. According to Mark Rowley, officers feared the suspect could have been carrying an explosive device and believed he continued posing a threat while being detained.

The suspect was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital, where he has since been questioned by detectives.

As part of the wider investigation, police are also looking into a separate altercation at an address in Southwark and have conducted searches at a property in south-east London.

Both victims received treatment at the scene and remain in hospital in stable condition.

When asked about the effectiveness of Prevent, the prime minister acknowledged that while reforms had been made following the Southport attack—in which Axel Rudakubana killed three children and injured others—there may still be lessons to learn.

“We are still at an early stage in this investigation,” he said, adding that the government must remain open to further improvements.

During a visit to Golders Green, Sir Keir faced protests from members of the public but said he understood the deep concern within the Jewish community.

“That anxiety has been present for a long time,” he said, “and this latest attack has only intensified it.”

In response, the government has announced an additional £25 million in funding aimed at increasing police patrols and strengthening security measures. The funding will also support enhanced protection for synagogues, schools, and community centres.