Police Launch Manhunt Following Attempted Arson at North London Synagogue
The Metropolitan Police have launched a major investigation and are actively searching for two suspects following an attempted arson attack at a synagogue in north London. The incident, which occurred at Finchley Reform Synagogue, is being treated as an attempted hate crime by authorities.
According to police reports, the two individuals, dressed in dark clothing and wearing balaclavas, approached the synagogue shortly after midnight on Wednesday. They hurled two bottles believed to contain petrol at the building, along with a brick. Fortunately, neither bottle ignited, and no significant damage or injuries were reported from the attack.
Heightened Police Presence and Community Concern
Detectives from the Met’s North West Command Unit are leading the investigation, with support from specialist officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London. No arrests have been made at this time. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, addressed the community's concerns directly.
"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," Williams stated. "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."
Williams confirmed that residents can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area over the coming days, with additional officers deployed to provide reassurance and gather information.
Political and Community Reactions
Local MP for Finchley and Golders Green, Sarah Sackman, expressed her shock and solidarity with the Jewish community. "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," she said in a social media post.
Sackman emphasized that this attack is part of a series of alarming incidents targeting the Jewish community in the area. "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," she added.
The Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors antisemitism and provides protection for Jewish communities in the UK, also issued a statement. "We are aware of an attempted arson overnight at Finchley Reform Synagogue that is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime. There were no injuries and no significant damage to the building. We are supporting the affected location and are working closely with the police as they investigate," the CST said.
Eyewitness Accounts and Local Impact
The road approaching Finchley Reform Synagogue was cordoned off by police following the incident, with officers patrolling the area. Two security officers were stationed at the synagogue door, with a police van nearby.
Franco Di Landro, a 56-year-old interior gardener who lives close to the synagogue, described hearing a loud bang during the attack. "I was lying on the sofa, watching the TV, when all of a sudden, I 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 told the Press Association.
Di Landro expressed his fear upon learning the details the next morning. "We've been here since 2011. It's scary, though. I must say that, it's scary. You know, I only just live literally 30 metres away from the place, and to hear that a bomb, they tried to put a fire bomb in the building. That is scary," he said.
Broader Condemnation and Calls for Action
Local councillor Josh Mastin-Lee condemned the attack, calling the synagogue "a pillar of the community that deserves far better" and urging that "these attacks must end." Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan also responded, stating, "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."
The Jewish Leadership Council and the Holocaust Educational Trust both expressed horror at the incident, with the latter noting it as part of "a broader pattern of rising antisemitism, which must be confronted with urgency."
Police are appealing for witnesses and any CCTV or dashcam footage. Anyone with information should contact the police with reference 1685/15APR or reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously.
