News

No-one injured in police station ‘attack’

Damage to Edmonton Police Station following an 'attack' on the building
Damage to Edmonton Police Station following an ‘attack’ on the building

Incident at Edmonton Police Station ‘not terror related’, reports James Cracknell

Edmonton Police Station was last night “attacked” by a man who rammed a vehicle into the main entrance and then set alight to petrol poured in the street.

No-one was hurt in the incident in Fore Street on Wednesday just before 7pm and the Metropolitan Police say they are not treating it as terror related. A 45-year-old white man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and other offences.

Both police officers and members of the public responded quickly to apprehend the man and prevent the fire spreading, as video footage posted on social media showed flames being extinguished before any further damage could be done.

A shocked shopkeeper today told the Dispatch how she feared for her safety. Agata Filipkowska works at a polish delicatessen directly opposite the police station and said: “We heard what we thought was a car accident and the sound of wheels spinning.

“He was trying to force his way in [to the police station]. We could smell the wheels of the car. People were saying it was an attack and we were scared. I was thinking someone could come inside the shop.

“It was very scary.”

The police are appealing for anyone with footage of the incident to upload it to ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk. Commander Ade Adelekan said: “This appears to have been an isolated incident and does not seem to be terror-related. I am satisfied that there is no wider risk to the community.

“Local officers will continue to carry out enquiries, but at this stage we are not looking for anybody else. I would like to thank the public for their response to the incident and would urge anyone with information about what happened to contact police.

“I also acknowledge the brave actions of local officers who confronted and arrested the suspect in a dangerous and challenging situation.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted: “I’m grateful to the police officers and other emergency services who brought the situation under control and continue to investigate the incident.”

Damage to the police station remains visible from the street, with the front doors smashed and detached from the door frame. A tyre skid mark can be seen on the pavement.

The incident occurred two days after Edmonton Police Station had been re-opened following a major refurbishment. It is now closed again and anyone who wants to report a crime in person is being directed to Enfield Police Station in Baker Street.

Damage to Edmonton Police Station following an 'attack' on the building
Tyre skid marks can be seen on the pavement outside the police station

In an update on Wednesday afternoon, Detective Chief Superintendent Treena Fleming said: “I would like to thank the local community for their patience and co-operation while officers dealt with this incident and the resulting scene.

“This was not believed to be terror-related and those living and working in the area can be reassured that this appears to have been an isolated incident that poses no ongoing risk to community safety.

“My thanks and admiration go to the brave officers who responded to this incident without hesitation in order to keep the public safe, and also to the members of the public who assisted in detaining the suspect without fear for their own safety.

“We are keen to speak to the members of the public who helped at the scene and ask that they contact us on 101 quoting CAD 6388 of 11 November.”

Update: A man has now been charged with attempted arson with intent to endanger life and criminal damage.


No news is bad news 

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts. 

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less. 

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation. 

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit 

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.  

Donate now with Pay Pal

More information on supporting us monthly or yearly 

More Information about donations