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Open Chronicle | With Agencies
London — Two individuals have been arrested following an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in north-west London, in an incident police are treating as an antisemitic hate crime.
The attempted attack targeted the Finchley Reform Synagogue, heightening concerns within the Jewish community amid a recent rise in similar incidents across the city.
Suspects Arrested Following CCTV Identification
Two Arrested After Attempted Arson Attack on London Synagogue
London — Two individuals have been arrested following an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in north-west London, in an incident police are treating as an antisemitic hate crime.
The attempted attack targeted the Finchley Reform Synagogue, heightening concerns within the Jewish community amid a recent rise in similar incidents across the city.
Suspects Arrested Following CCTV Identification
According to the Metropolitan Police, a 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man were arrested in Watford on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
CCTV footage showed two individuals dressed in dark clothing and wearing balaclavas approaching the synagogue shortly after midnight. The suspects allegedly placed glass bottles believed to contain petrol near the building’s windows and threw a brick at the structure.
No injuries were reported, and the attack did not result in a fire, but authorities stressed the seriousness of the attempt.
Treated as an Anti-Semitic Hate Crime
Police confirmed that the incident is being investigated as a hate crime targeting the Jewish community. Officers have increased patrols in the Finchley area and urged residents to report any concerns.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said the swift arrests were intended to reassure the public and demonstrate the seriousness with which such attacks are treated.
Community on Edge After Recent Incidents
The attempted attack comes just weeks after another arson incident in north-west London, where four ambulances belonging to a Jewish volunteer emergency service were set on fire.
While authorities have stated there is no confirmed link between the two, the proximity in timing has heightened anxiety among residents and community leaders.
Ongoing Investigation
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attempted attack, including the suspects’ motives and any potential connections to broader patterns of hate-related crime.
Officials have reiterated their commitment to protecting places of worship and ensuring the safety of all communities across London.
Wider Concerns Over Hate Crimes
The incident reflects a broader rise in reported antisemitic incidents in parts of Europe, prompting calls for increased vigilance and stronger protective measures around religious institutions.
As the investigation continues, authorities are emphasizing both enforcement and community engagement as key elements in addressing the threat.