Cricklewood fire: Iranian resistance group offices attacked in alleged firebombing

An alleged firebomb attack at the office of an Iranian resistance group in north-west London is being investigated by police.

The offices on Temple Road, Cricklewood were attacked in the early hours of Monday morning, according to the National Council of Resistance in Iran (NCRI).

They belong to the People’s Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI), which describes itself as an ‘Iranian opposition group seeking to establish a free, democratic and non-nuclear Iran at peace with the world’.

In a statement the group said “molotov cocktails and fire bombs” were used to attack the offices.

“One of the neighbours, who had come to the street with the sound of the explosion, witnessed one of the attackers, who had thrown a Molotov cocktail at the building, running away,” the NCRI said.

The office was used for human rights activities and meetings of the families of victims of executions in Iran have been hosted there.

The Met police said it is not treating the incident as a terrorist attack.

The London Fire Brigade said it was called to the fire at 02.15am and it was under control 20 minutes later.

A bin shed on the ground floor was destroyed in the fire but there were no reported injuries.

Det Sup Tony Bellis, North West Command Unit, said: "We know this incident has caused concern among the local community and have liaised with local community groups as a result.

"The investigation into this incident is being led by detectives from the North West Command Unit CID and officers are keeping an open mind in relation to any potential motivation behind this incident.

“There is no current information to suggest a targeted attack at this time, and it is not being treated as terror-related.

“However, due to the location of the incident and the organisation based at the adjacent premises, the investigation is also being supported by specialist officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.”

Any witnesses or those with information that could help us should call 101 or tweet@MetC ref CAD 494/5 December.

To remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.