Police are investigating the targeting of a major north London synagogue which took place overnight and is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: “Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward following an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in Finchley. The incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.
“Two suspects, who were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, approached the synagogue in Fallow Court Avenue, Finchley, shortly after midnight, 00:00 hrs on Wednesday 15 April, 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 police confirmed that synagogue staff had reported the attack at 08:30, and said that officers are conducting urgent enquiries to trace the suspects. No arrests have been made at this early stage.
“The incident is being investigated by detectives from the Met’s North West Command Unit, with support from specialist detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing London.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, 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.
“If you have any CCTV, dash cam footage or information that could help officers please contact the police.
“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.”
The Jewish community is at a state of high alert following the firebombing of four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green a few weeks ago, as well as the terror attack carried out at Heaton Park Synagogue on Yom Kippur last year.
Sarah Sackman, MP for Finchley and Golders Green, the constituency in which the synagogue is situated, said: “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.”
