Two suspects sought after attempted arson attack on synagogue

Police are hunting for two suspects following an attempted arson attack on a north London synagogue.

The incident in Finchley is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, police said.

Two suspects, who were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, approached the synagogue in Fallow Court Avenue shortly after midnight on Wednesday and threw two bottles, suspected to contain petrol, and a brick at the building.

Neither bottle ignited and no damage was reported. There were no injuries.

The matter was reported by staff to police at 8.30am.

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.

"We are working with the affected synagogue and continuing 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."

He also urged any witnesses or people with CCTV or dashcam footage to contact police.

The latest incident comes after an arson attack on Jewish volunteer ambulances in Golders Green last month.

Finchley Reform Synagogue senior clergy Cantor Zoe Jacobs said the incident was "clearly an attempt to intimidate the British Jewish community, but we will not be deterred by these cowardly acts".

"Instead, we will continue to prioritise building bridges across the wider Barnet community," she said.

In a statement, the FRS said: "We are extremely grateful that nobody was hurt and that our building is also unharmed, but we know that the emotional and psychological impact of today's events is significant."

Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, who co-lead the Movement for Progressive Judaism, said: "This incident is part of a wider rise in antisemitism that is affecting Jewish communities across the country.

'Almighty bang'

The road approaching the synagogue was cordoned off by police on Wednesday afternoon, and officers could be seen patrolling the street.

A forensics officer could be seen inspecting a green-topped wine bottle with a blue rag in the top outside the synagogue.

Franco Di Landro, 56, who lives close to the synagogue, said he 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," he said.

Mayor of London 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."

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Labour MP for Finchley and Golders Green Sarah Sackman said such attacks could not be allowed to become the "new normal" in Britain.

"British Jews must be free to go about their lives without fear - whether taking their children to nursery or attending synagogue," she said.

"We do not want to live behind ever higher walls."

In a letter handed out to residents, Ms Sackman added: "I understand this will be concerning to local residents. I want to reassure you that there is a strong police presence and investigations are ongoing."

The Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors antisemitism and provides protection for Jewish communities in the UK, said it was aware of the incident.

"We are supporting the affected location and are working closely with the police as they investigate and seek to identify those responsible," the CST said.

No arrests have yet been made.

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