Two arrested over attempted arson attack on synagogue in north London

A 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of arson endangering life after an attempted attack on a synagogue in Finchley, north London, as part of an investigation into what the Metropolitan police described as an “antisemitic hate crime”.

The force said the woman was arrested at an address in Watford just after 4.45pm on Wednesday, while the man was arrested at 7.15pm in the Watford area. Both suspects remain in police custody.

The Met said the arrests follow an investigation into the attempted attack on a synagogue in Fallow Court Avenue, Finchley.

Officers said two people, who were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, were seen approaching the synagogue just after midnight with two bottles and a brick. The bottles which contained a substance thought to be petrol was smashed by a brick thrown at the building.

Neither of the bottles ignited and the people fled the scene, the force added, with no damage or injuries reported.

DetCh Supt 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. There is no suggestion the matter in Finchley and the incident in Golders Green, for which three people have been charged, are linked.

“Our increased patrols in the Finchley area continue, and I would ask that anyone with concerns speaks to my officers.”

Cantor Zoe Jacobs, senior clergy at the 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.

Sarah Sackman, the MP for Finchley and Golders Green, said in a post on X: “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.”

On Wednesday afternoon the road approaching the synagogue was cordoned off by police, and three officers could be seen patrolling the road. Outside the building, two security officers were seen standing at the door with a police van nearby.

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said he was grateful to police for their “swift response” to the “appalling” incident.

In a statement posted on social media on Wednesday afternoon, the synagogue wrote that “the emotional and psychological impact” of the attempted attack was “significant” to Jews in the community, adding: “We are extremely grateful for the solidarity of our neighbours, local police and politicians. They help us remember that we are a community who would always choose to build bridges rather than walls.”