Two sought over attempted arson attack at north London synagogue

The Metropolitan Police said they are treating the incident at Finchley Reform Synagogue as an attempted hate crime.

Two suspects are being sought after an attempted arson attack at a synagogue in north London in which two bottles thought to contain petrol were hurled at the building.

The Metropolitan Police said they are treating the incident as an attempted hate crime after the pair, who were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, were seen approaching Finchley Reform Synagogue shortly after midnight on Wednesday.

Neither bottle ignited, the force added, while a brick was also thrown at the building, but no damage or injuries were reported.

The incident is being investigated by detectives from the Met’s North West Command Unit, with support from specialist detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing London.

No arrests have been made.

The Met are appealing for witnesses and Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, said: “We are aware of the significant concern that this incident will cause in the community, particularly in the wake of the arson attack in Golders Green last month.

“We are working with the affected synagogue and continuing to meet with community leaders.

“I would like to reassure the community that we take incidents of this nature extremely seriously and detectives are working urgently to identify the suspects.

“If you have any CCTV, dashcam footage or information that could help officers, please contact the police.

“Residents can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area over the coming days.

“We have brought in additional officers and would urge anyone with concerns to speak to them.”

Finchley and Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman said in a post on X: “This morning, I became aware of an attempted arson attack at Finchley Reform Synagogue overnight.

“Thankfully, no one has been hurt. I have been at the synagogue, supporting local residents and community leaders.

“This shocking attempt to harm a local synagogue follows a series of alarming attacks on the Jewish community in Finchley and Golders Green.”

She added: “As your local MP, and as a member of the community, I refuse to allow this to become the ‘new normal’.

“British Jews must be free to go about their lives without fear – whether taking their children to nursery or attending synagogue.

“We do not want to live behind ever higher walls.

“I thank the CST and Metropolitan Police for their quick and effective response.

“I will continue to raise the issues of antisemitism and security at the highest levels in Government to protect our community.”

The Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors antisemitism and provides protection for Jewish communities in the UK, said in a post on X: “We are aware of an attempted arson overnight at Finchley Reform Synagogue that is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.

“There were no injuries and no significant damage to the building.

“We are supporting the affected location and are working closely with the police as they investigate and seek to identify those responsible.”

The road approaching Finchley Reform Synagogue is cordoned off by police, and three officers could be seen patrolling the road on Wednesday afternoon.

Outside the synagogue, two security officers were seen standing at the door with a police van nearby.

Franco Di Landro, 56, who is an interior gardener and lives close to the synagogue, told the Press Association: “I was lying on the sofa, watching the TV, when all of a sudden, I heard an almighty bang.

“It felt, sounded like a boulder had hit the floor, and it came from outside. I came outside but I couldn’t see nothing.

“But then this morning, when I woke up, I noticed a forensic van at the end of the road, and I thought ‘oh, Christ, that doesn’t sound good’.

“Then there was more and more police, the road then cordoned off, and then looking on social media, I noticed that there’s been a fire mention about fire bomb in the synagogue. It is scary.”

He added: “We’ve been here since 2011. It’s scary, though. I must say that, it’s scary.

“You know, I only just live literally 30 metres away from the place, and to hear that a bomb, they tried to put a fire bomb in the building. That is scary.”

Finchley Church End Cllr Josh Mastin-Lee said the synagogue is “a pillar of the community that deserves far better”, adding “these attacks must end”.

Reacting to the incident, he said in a post on X: “Yet another despicable attempt to target and intimidate Finchley’s Jewish community.

“I visited Finchley Reform Synagogue for their Holocaust Memorial Day workshop in January. A pillar of the community that deserves far better.

“These attacks must end.”

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said: “I’m grateful to the Met Police for their swift response to the appalling attempted arson attack at Finchley Reform Synagogue overnight.

“The incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, and there is an increased police presence in place in the local area.

“While thankfully no-one was injured, the Met are urging anyone with information to come forward.”

The Jewish Leadership Council, which represents Jewish organisations in the UK, said it was “horrified” by the incident, while the Holocaust Educational Trust said the attempted attack was part of “a broader pattern of rising antisemitism, which must be confronted with urgency”.

Anyone with information should contact the police with reference 1685/15APR, or reach out to Crimestoppers.