Woman and man are arrested over ‘antisemitic’ attempted arson attack at north London synagogue where ‘balaclava-clad suspects hurled petrol bombs’
A man and a woman have been arrested in connection with an ‘anti-Semitic’ arson attempt at a synagogue in north London.
Last night CCTV showed attackers wearing balaclavas throwing suspected gas bombs at Finchley Reform Synagogue on Fallow Court Avenue in North Finchley.
A 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man were arrested in the Watford area this afternoon, both on suspicion of arson endangering life.
The incident, which is being treated as an anti-Semitic hate crime, took place overnight at Finchley Reform Synagogue on Fallow Court Avenue in North Finchley.
Shortly after midnight, two suspects approached the synagogue and threw two bottles suspected to contain gasoline and a brick into the building.
Police arrested the woman at 16.47 this afternoon and the man at 19.15.
This incident comes weeks after four Hatzola ambulances were firebombed outside a different synagogue in nearby Golders Green on March 23.
The firebomb caused gas cylinders to explode in ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a volunteer-led service.
The incident happened overnight at Finchley Reform Synagogue on Fallow Court Avenue, North Finchley.
Finchley and Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman described last night’s incident as ‘shocking’
Three men, Hamza Iqbal, 20, Rehan Khan, 19, and a 17-year-old boy, were charged with arson by acting recklessly as to whether life would be endangered.
Finchley and Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman described last night’s incident as ‘shocking’ and added that the Jewish community should be ‘free to live their lives without fear’.
‘This morning I learned of an attempted arson attack at Finchley Reform Synagogue overnight. Fortunately, no one was injured. “I’ve been in the synagogue, supporting local residents and community leaders,” he said.
‘This shocking attempt to damage a local synagogue follows a series of alarming attacks on the Jewish community in Finchley and Golders Green.
‘As your local MP and member of the community, I refuse to allow this to become the ‘new normal’. British Jews should be free to live their lives without fear, whether that means taking their children to nursery or attending synagogue. ‘We don’t want to live behind higher walls.’
He added: ‘I thank the CST and the Metropolitan Police for their quick and effective response. ‘I will continue to raise issues of antisemitism and security at the highest levels in Government to protect our community.’
None of the bottles thrown into the synagogue during the night caught fire and no damage was reported. There were no injuries.
The incident is being investigated by detectives from the Met’s North West Command Unit, supported by specialist detectives from London Counter Terrorism Police.
Detective Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, said: ‘We are aware of the serious concern this incident will cause in the community, particularly following the arson attack in Golders Green last month. We are working with the affected synagogue and continue 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 suspects.
On March 23, four Hatzola ambulances were firebombed in nearby Golders Green.
‘If you have any CCTV, dashcam footage or information that could assist officers please contact police.
‘Residents can expect to see an increased 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.’
Cantor Zöe Jacobs, on behalf of senior clergy at Finchley Reform Synagogue, said: ‘FRS is a proud, progressive and welcoming space for all. We not only hold Jewish services and celebrations, but we also host a nursery within our community, a homeless shelter, and provide a safe place for refugees to gather.
‘Last night two men tried to attack our Synagogue and failed.
‘This is clearly an attempt to intimidate the British Jewish community, but we will not be deterred by these cowardly acts. Instead, we will continue to prioritize building bridges across the Barnet community.
‘Now, and as always, our community is incredibly well supported by the police, government, CST and all our key partners.’
Anyone with information should contact police or contact Crimestoppers quoting reference 1685/15APR.
