The council has released a statement following the attack

Police in Leeds have increased patrols at the city’s synagogues and Jewish schools, following an attack in Golders Green.

Two Jewish men, one aged in his 70s and another in his 30s, have been stabbed in the incident in north London this morning.

The Metropolitan Police said a 45-year-old man was arrested and remains in custody.

Speaking outside Scotland Yard today, head of counter terrorism policing Laurence Taylor confirmed the stabbing has been formally declared to be terrorism.

Police officers at the scene in Golders Green, north-west London, after two men - one aged in his 70s and another in his 30s - were stabbed on Wednesday morning | Lucy North/PA Wire

placeholder image — Police officers at the scene in Golders Green, north-west London, after two men - one aged in his 70s and another in his 30s - were stabbed on Wednesday morning | Lucy North/PA Wire

He said: “Our highly specialised teams of officers are working with the Metropolitan Police to progress this investigation quickly and establish exactly what has happened.

“We’re also working with our partners in the security services to ensure we have a full intelligence picture and one of the lines of inquiry is whether this attack was deliberately targeting the Jewish community in London.”

Following the incident, Leeds City Council issued a statement to reassure the city’s Jewish community.

There will be extra police patrols in a number of key sites across the city, including synagogues and Jewish schools.

A council spokesperson said: “We understand this incident will be deeply concerning for our Jewish communities.

“We have been reassured by senior police colleagues in Leeds that increased patrols are being put in place at key sites across the city, including synagogues and Jewish schools, with officers providing visible reassurance and engagement, supported by council colleagues and other key partners, recognising that serious incidents like this cause understandable fear and distress.

“From a community intelligence perspective, police colleagues are also encouraging the reporting of any suspicious or concerning activity.

“Leeds City Council stands against hatred and violence in all its forms. We will continue working with partners to ensure all our communities feel safe, supported and protected.

“Acts that target or intimidate any community, whether through hate, hostility or violence, have no place in society.”