Man and woman arrested after ‘antisemitic attempted arson attack’ | UK | News
A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of life-endangering arson after an incident at a synagogue in north London. In what is being treated as an anti-Semitic hate crime, two bottles, one thought to contain petrol, were placed near the Finchley Reform Synagogue in Fallow Court Avenue, Finchley, shortly after midnight on Wednesday.
On Wednesday evening, the Metropolitan Police said officers arrested a 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man on suspicion of arson. Police said the woman was arrested at an address in Watford and the 46-year-old man was arrested in the Watford area. Scotland Yard said both were in custody.
Officers said they saw two men wearing dark clothing and balaclavas approaching the synagogue just after midnight. The bottle containing a substance thought to be gasoline was shattered by a brick thrown into the building. Police added that none of the bottles were fired and people fled the scene, with no damage or injuries reported.
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: “I hope the quick action taken by officers today to identify and arrest two men provides some reassurance and shows how seriously we take attacks like this.
“However, we understand the serious concern the Jewish community would feel at another incident so soon after the arson attack on four ambulances in Golders Green.
“There is no suggestion that the matter in Finchley is linked to the incident in Golders Green for which three men have been charged. Our increased patrols continue in the Finchley area and I would urge anyone with concerns to speak to my officers.”
Cantor Zoe Jacobs, the synagogue’s senior cleric, said the Jewish community “will not be deterred by these cowardly acts.” He said: “Instead, we will continue to prioritize building bridges within the wider Barnet community.”
Anyone with information about the incident on Wednesday morning, or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage that could assist officers, was asked to contact police on 101 quoting CAD 1686/15APR.
