Two people arrested after attempted arson attack on synagogue in north London

Two people have been arrested following an attempted arson attack on a north London synagogue, the Metropolitan Police said.

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

Officers from the Met's North West Area Command Unit arrested a 47-year-old woman at an address in Watford on suspicion of arson endangering life on Wednesday afternoon.

They later also arrested a 46-year-old man in the Watford area on suspicion of arson endangering life.

Both suspects remain in police custody.

CCTV obtained by police showed two people, who were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, approaching the synagogue in Fallow Court Avenue shortly after midnight on Wednesday and throwing 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, who leads policing in the area, 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."

Four men and a 17-year-old boy have been arrested in connection with an arson attack on a Jewish volunteer ambulance service in Golders Green last month. Two were released pending further enquiries, police said.

"There is no suggestion the matter in Finchley and the incident in Golders Green, for which three people have been charged, are linked," DCS Williams said.

DCS Williams said patrols would be increased in the Finchley area.

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Cantor Zoe Jacobs, senior clergy at the Finchley Reform Synagogue, said the Jewish community would "not be deterred by these cowardly acts".

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

Police could be seen working at the scene on Wednesday.

One officer was photographed outside the synagogue beside a wine bottle with a blue rag in the top.

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."

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

In a letter handed out to residents on Wednesday, Ms Sackman said: "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."

Neighbours reported hearing an "almighty bang" overnight on Wednesday.

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