Two people have been arrested in connection with an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in Finchley, the Metropolitan police has said.
Police say officers arrested a 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man in the Watford area, on suspicion of arson endangering life.
An investigation was launched after two bottles thought to contain petrol were hurled at Finchley Reform Synagogue in Fallow Court Avenue, Finchley, shortly after midnight on Wednesday, in an incident being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.
CCTV images showed two suspects dressed in dark clothing and balaclavas, who gained entry to the synagogue’s grounds on Wednesday.
Neither bottle ignited, and no damage was reported, and no one was injured, the Metropolitan Police said.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, said: “I hope the swift action by officers today to identify and arrest two people provides some reassurance and demonstrates how seriously we take attacks of this nature.“However, we understand the significant concern the Jewish community will feel at another incident so soon after the arson attack on four ambulances in Golders Green. There is no suggestion the matter in Finchley and the incident in Golders Green, for which three people have been charged, are linked,” he added.
In a post on X earlier, Labour MP for Finchley and Golders Green, Sarah Sackman wrote: “This morning, I became aware of an attempted arson attack at Finchley Reform Synagogue overnight.
“Thankfully, no one has been hurt. I have been at the synagogue, supporting local residents and community leaders.
“This shocking attempt to harm a local synagogue follows a series of alarming attacks on the Jewish community in Finchley and Golders Green.
“As your local MP, and as a member of the community, I refuse to allow this to become the ‘new normal’.
“British Jews must be free to go about their lives without fear – whether taking their children to nursery or attending synagogue.
“We do not want to live behind ever higher walls. I thank the CST and Metropolitan Police for their quick and effective response.
“I will continue to raise the issues of antisemitism and security at the highest levels in government to protect our community.”
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Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said: “We are aware of the significant concern that this incident will cause in the community, particularly in the wake of the arson attack in Golders Green last month. “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.“Residents can expect to see a heightened 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.”
In a statement on Wednesday, the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity that protect the British Jewish community, said the attack is being “treated as an antisemitic hate crime”.
“We are supporting the affected location and are working closely with the police as they investigate and seek to identify those responsible. We urge anyone with information to contact the police on 999 and then CST.”
Franco Di Landro, 56, who is an interior gardener and lives close to the synagogue, told the Press Association: “I was lying on the sofa, watching the TV, when all of a sudden, I heard an almighty bang.
“It felt, sounded like a boulder had hit the floor, and it came from outside. I came outside but I couldn’t see nothing.
“But then this morning, when I woke up, I noticed a forensic van at the end of the road, and I thought ‘oh, Christ, that doesn’t sound good’.
“Then there was more and more police, the road then cordoned off, and then looking on social media, I noticed that there’s been a fire mention about fire bomb in the synagogue. It is scary.”
He added: “We’ve been here since 2011. It’s scary, though. I must say that, it’s scary.
“You know, I only just live literally 30 metres away from the place, and to hear that a bomb, they tried to put a fire bomb in the building. That is scary.”
Police officers could be seen patrolling the road. Credit: ITV News London
Finchley Church End Cllr Josh Mastin-Lee said the synagogue is “a pillar of the community that deserves far better”, adding “these attacks must end”.
Reacting to the incident, he said in a post on X: “Yet another despicable attempt to target and intimidate Finchley’s Jewish community.
“I visited Finchley Reform Synagogue for their Holocaust Memorial Day workshop in January. A pillar of the community that deserves far better.
“These attacks must end.”
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said: “I’m grateful to the Met Police for their swift response to the appalling attempted arson attack at Finchley Reform Synagogue overnight.
“The incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, and there is an increased police presence in place in the local area.
“While thankfully no-one was injured, the Met are urging anyone with information to come forward.”
Police are urging anyone with CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information to get in touch with police on 101, providing the reference 1685/15APR, or by contacting Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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