Police and fire crews rush to attempted ‘firebomb attack’ at Kenton United Synagogue | UK | News
Police officers patrol the cordon near an event at Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow (Image: Jamie Lashmar/PA Wire)
Amidst a series of similar incidents, there was another attempted arson attack in which a synagogue in north-west London was reportedly “firebombed”. The incident at Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow on Saturday night caused minor smoke damage to an inner room, but there were no injuries or significant structural damage, the Community Security Trust said.
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.
Smoke damage occurred in an interior room (Image: Jamie Lashmar/PA Wire)
A spokesman for the charity said: “Following similar recent incidents targeting the Jewish community in Finchley, Golders Green and Hendon, we are aware of another arson attempt, this time targeting a synagogue in North London.
“In this incident there was minor smoke damage to the interior room, but there were no injuries or significant structural damage.
“We would like to thank the Met Police and London Fire Brigade for their rapid response and action to protect the Jewish community during this unprecedented time.
“We are supporting the affected area and working closely with police who are investigating and trying to identify those responsible.
“We urge people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately to the police on 999 and then to CST, at any time of the day or night.”
Similar events have occurred in the past weeks (Image: Jamie Lashmar/PA Wire)
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.”
Several incidents involving arson or attempted arson targeting Jewish property have been reported in the region in the past month.
The Metropolitan Police said on Friday that counter-terrorism police had begun an investigation into an arson attack on a business in Hendon, north-west London.
While the police were called to the scene at around 22.31, fire crews were also present. Police said a man approached a row of shops carrying a plastic bag that later turned out to be three bottles containing liquid.
He placed the bag next to the building and burned the items inside the bag. However, the police said that the person fled the scene after the bottles did not completely catch fire.
While the investigation into the incidents continues, the Met has increased its resources following a series of arson and attempted arson attacks in north-west London.
Police say communities can expect to see significantly increased numbers of officers in and around the area tonight and over the weekend, with measures being implemented to help prevent and deter crime.
Armed response vehicles and Counter Terrorism Policing resources have also been deployed to the area to support the increased local policing plan. Police motorcycles and interceptors will also be in and around communities to support the efforts.
Detective Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing efforts in the area, said: “Keeping our communities safe remains our top priority and we are doing everything we can to increase resourcing to prevent and deter crime.
“We recognize the sense of concern among local residents and do not underestimate the impact of such events, especially on our Jewish communities.
“We continue to work with our colleagues in the Counter Terrorism Police who are leading investigations into all of these incidents due to similar circumstances and allegations of liability online. We and the Counter Terrorism Police have officers working continuously to support this investigation and our communities.
“I want to thank our local partners, including the Community Safety Foundation, for their support. We will continue to speak with representatives from across our community and remain committed to combating antisemitism and hate in all its forms. Everyone should be able to live in peace and without fear.”
