Counter terror police investigating ‘Iran link’ to attempted ‘firebomb’ on UK synagogue | UK | News

Counter-terrorism police are investigating whether a series of arson attacks on Jewish sites in North London were carried out by Iranian proxies. Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said the incidents were “similar in nature” and targeted Israeli and Jewish facilities in London.

Many of these were requested online by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiye, the Islamic Movement of the Right Companions, Ms. Evans said. He said Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia claimed responsibility for recent attacks across Europe, including on Jewish and Israeli facilities.

He continued: “I have spoken before about the Iranian regime’s use of punitive proxies and we are assessing whether this tactic is being used here in London.

“This is using violence as a service, and the people who commit this violence often have little or no commitment to the cause and are quickly paid for their crimes.

“Whatever the motivation of this group, I want to be clear to those who facilitate this activity and carry out the actions on their behalf that we will not tolerate activities that seek to intimidate and harm our communities. You will not succeed in creating division and hatred.”

“We are aware of public reports suggesting this group may have links to Iran – as you can imagine, we will continue to investigate this question as our investigation develops.”

A spokesman for the Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “Last night another Jewish synagogue in London was firebombed, this time in Kenton. Fortunately the damage was limited.”

Because the building is close to a school and children’s playground, police were seen looking for a black SUV nearby Sunday morning.

A large cordon had been put in place and a coroner, fire investigation dogs and large numbers of plainclothes police were working at the scene. There was one marked and about five unmarked police cars outside the place of worship.