Police investigate attempted arson attack at north-west London synagogue | London
Following similar incidents, an attempted arson attack was reported at a synagogue in north-west London.
The incident at Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow on Saturday night caused minor smoke damage to the inner room but no injuries or significant structural damage, according to the Community Security Trust, which monitors antisemitism and provides protection for Jewish communities in the UK.
The building is close to the school and children’s playground.
Police were seen searching 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 synagogue.
A spokesman for the Community Security Trust 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.
“We would like to thank the Met police and the London fire brigade for their rapid response and all they have done to protect the Jewish community during this unprecedented time. We are supporting the affected area and working closely with the police as they investigate and seek to identify those responsible.”
Numerous arson attacks or attempted arson attacks on Jewish property in the area have been reported in the past month.
A spokesman for the charity Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “A synagogue in London was firebombed last night, which has now turned into a horrifying spate of daily arson attacks on the Jewish community.
“This reveals an abject failure of the state – politicians, chief constables and prosecutors – to tackle antisemitic extremism in a country that has remained largely unchecked for two and a half years. Britain is now a fundamentally different country.”
“The government still refuses to ban the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an obvious first step against foreign radicalization and interference. It is shocking that the sensitivities of the violent Iranian regime are more important to the government than the well-being of the Jewish people in this country.”
The Metropolitan Police has been approached for comment.
