Attempted Arson Targets London Synagogue Overnight

An attempted arson attack targeted a synagogue in north London early Wednesday, after bottles suspected to contain petrol were thrown at the building in what police are treating as an antisemitic hate crime.

The incident occurred shortly after midnight at Finchley Reform Synagogue, with police later confirming that two suspects were arrested the same day. The attack comes weeks after a separate arson targeting Jewish community ambulances in the same area, heightening concern among local residents, though authorities say there is no evidence linking the cases.

According to the Metropolitan Police, two individuals wearing dark clothing and balaclavas entered the synagogue grounds at approximately 00:09 a.m. CCTV footage showed them throwing a brick and two glass bottles toward the building’s windows. One of the bottles, believed to contain petrol, was smashed by the brick, but neither device ignited. No injuries were reported and no damage was caused.

Police said the incident was reported later that morning by a member of synagogue staff, prompting an investigation that led to arrests in the Watford area. A 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man were taken into custody on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, and remain in custody.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said the arrests were carried out swiftly and emphasized the seriousness of the incident. “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,” he said. He added that police understand the “significant concern” such incidents cause, particularly given recent events in the area, but noted there is no indication the synagogue attack is connected to the earlier ambulance arson.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said the attack reflected a clear pattern of anti-Jewish hostility. “Last night, petrol bombs were thrown at Finchley Reform Synagogue in London. Mercifully, the bottles didn't ignite, and, on this occasion, there was little damage and no injuries, but the evidence of yet more anti-Jewish hatred could not be clearer. We are a resilient community and we will never succumb to fear and intimidation.”

Sarah Sackman, the Labour MP for Finchley and Golders Green, said the attempted attack followed “a series of alarming incidents” targeting the Jewish community locally. “I refuse to allow this to become the new normal,” she said, adding that “British Jews must be free to go about their lives without fear.”

The attack comes less than a month after four Hatzola ambulances were set on fire in Golders Green in the early hours of March 23, causing multiple gas canisters to explode. Three individuals have since been charged in that case, with a fourth suspect arrested separately. Police have stated there is no evidence linking the two incidents.

Officers said patrols in the Finchley area have been increased and urged anyone with information to come forward, as the investigation continues.