Police launch manhunt after ‘attempted arson attack’ on London synagogue | UK | News
Manhunt continues after attempted arson at a synagogue in north London (file image) (Image: Getty)
Police said two suspects were wanted after an arson attempt in which two bottles thought to contain petrol were thrown at a synagogue in north London. The Metropolitan Police said they were treating the incident as an attempted anti-Semitic hate crime after suspects wearing dark clothing and balaclavas were seen approaching Finchley Reform Synagogue shortly after midnight on Wednesday.
In a statement released on the afternoon of April 15, the force added that no bottles were fired and a brick was also thrown at the building, but no damage or injuries were 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. No arrests were made.
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The Met is appealing for witnesses and Detective Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, said: “We recognize the significant 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 the suspects.
“If you have any CCTV, dashcam footage or information that could assist officers please contact police.
“Residents can expect to see increased police presence in the area in the coming days.
“We have brought in additional officers and are urging anyone with concerns to speak to them.”
Sarah Sackman, MP for Finchley and Golders Green, said in a post on X: “This morning I became aware of an attempted arson attempt at Finchley Reform Synagogue overnight.
“Thankfully, no one was injured. I was at the synagogue and supported local residents and community leaders.”
“This shocking attempt to damage a local synagogue follows a series of worrying attacks on the Jewish community in Finchley and Golders Green.”
He added: “As your local MP and member of the community I refuse to let this become the ‘new normal’.
“British Jews should be free to live their lives without fear, whether that means taking their children to nursery school or attending synagogue.
“We don’t want to live behind higher walls.
“I thank CST and the Metropolitan Police for their quick and effective response.
“I will continue to raise antisemitism and safety issues at the highest levels in Government to protect our community.”
The Community Security Trust, which monitors antisemitism in the UK and provides protection for Jewish communities, said in a post on
“There were no injuries and no serious damage to the building.
“We are supporting the affected area and working closely with police who are investigating and trying to identify those responsible.”
Anyone with information should contact police or contact Crimestoppers quoting reference 1685/15APR.
