Manhunt after attempted arson attack on synagogue

Authorities are searching for two individuals following an attempted arson incident at a synagogue in north London, where two bottles believed to hold petrol were thrown toward the structure. The suspects, wearing balaclavas, approached the building around 01:00 BST and hurled a brick alongside the bottles. No damage or injuries were reported during the attack.

Context of recent antisemitic incidents

A month prior, four ambulances linked to a Jewish community charity were targeted in an arson incident, with counter-terrorism units assisting in both investigations. Police have classified the Finchley Reform Synagogue attack as an antisemitic hate crime, highlighting ongoing concerns within the area.

“This disturbing act of targeting a local synagogue comes after a string of troubling assaults on the Jewish community in Finchley and Golders Green,” said Sarah Sackman, the Labour MP for Finchley and Golders Green. She emphasized her refusal to accept such attacks as the new standard, stressing that British Jews should feel secure in their daily routines, from taking children to nursery to attending religious gatherings. “We do not want to live behind ever higher walls,” she added.

Police and community response

The Community Security Trust (CST), a UK-based charity that offers security services and tracks antisemitism, has stated it is “providing support to the impacted site and collaborating with law enforcement.” Det Ch Supt Luke Williams confirmed the Met is aware of the community’s heightened anxiety, particularly following the Golders Green attack. “We are working with the affected synagogue and continuing to meet with community leaders,” he noted. “I would like to reassure the community that we take incidents of this nature extremely seriously, with detectives actively pursuing leads to identify the suspects.”

If you possess CCTV footage, dash cam recordings, or any relevant information, the police urge you to contact them promptly. Stay connected with BBC Radio London on Sounds, and follow BBC London via Facebook, X, and Instagram for updates. Share your story ideas with hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk.