Investigation underway

Persian-speaking journalist attacked in London

In London, a Persian-speaking journalist was attacked by men with a knife. The counter-terrorism unit has launched an investigation.(Bild: stock.adobe.com/JTana)

Following a stabbing attack on a Persian-speaking journalist in Great Britain, the anti-terror unit of the London police has launched an investigation. This was announced by Scotland Yard on Friday evening. 

The man, aged between 30 and 40, was attacked in the afternoon in the Wimbledon district. He suffered injuries to his leg in the incident, but they are not thought to be life-threatening.

Knife attack on journalists
The police initially gave no information about the attacker or attackers. According to a report in the Telegraph, one man is said to have engaged him in conversation while another attacked him with a knife. Both are then said to have fled in a car driven by a third person.

The motive was also initially unknown. However, the anti-terror unit took over the investigation as the man was a Persian-speaking journalist and there had recently been a number of threats against this group, the statement added.

Motive still unclear
"I must stress that at this early stage of our investigation we do not know the reason why this victim was targeted and there could be a number of explanations," said counter-terrorism unit chief Dominic Murphy.

However, he said he understood the great concern that the incident could cause, especially among journalists and people with an Iranian background.

Since 2022, police say there have been a number of foiled kidnap or even murder plots against Britons or people in the UK who are considered opponents of the Iranian government.