UK’s counterterror police probe another London arson attack

UK counterterror police are investigating an arson attack on a shop in Hendon, London, an area with a large Jewish population. The incident occurred late Friday, with no reported injuries. This follows other recent arson attacks in northwest London, including one on a synagogue in Finchley on Wednesday, where two arrests were made, and the torching of Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green in late March. While police are not currently linking the Hendon arson to the other incidents, counterterrorism officers are leading the investigation due to the similarities between the attacks. Police were called after a man was seen placing a bag containing flammable liquid by the shops and setting it alight.

A fourth suspect, Judex Atshatshi, has been remanded in custody after being charged with arson related to the torching of four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green, north-west London, on March 23rd. The ambulances, belonging to the volunteer service Hatzola, were destroyed, causing significant damage. Prosecutors believe the incident was a targeted attack against the Jewish community. Atshatshi, along with three other suspects previously charged, will appear at the Old Bailey on April 24th. Another individual arrested in connection with the incident has been released on bail. Authorities are urging restraint in commentary to avoid prejudicing the ongoing legal proceedings.

London police are investigating an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in the Finchley neighborhood as an antisemitic hate crime. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Wednesday when two masked individuals threw suspected petrol bombs and a brick at the building. The devices did not ignite, and no injuries or damage were reported. This incident follows a recent arson attack on Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green last month, for which three suspects have been charged. Authorities are increasing police presence in the area and urging anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage to contact them as the investigation continues. No arrests have been made as of Wednesday afternoon.

Police in London are investigating an attempted arson attack on the Finchley Reform Synagogue (FRS) in north London, which occurred just after midnight on Wednesday. Two suspects wearing dark clothing and balaclavas threw a brick and two bottles, suspected to contain petrol, at the building. The bottles did not ignite, and no damage or injuries were reported. Authorities are treating the incident as an antisemitic hate crime. Leaders at the synagogue believe the attack was an attempt to intimidate the British Jewish community. The Community Security Trust (CST) and other Jewish organizations are working with police and supporting the synagogue, while condemning the act and highlighting a rise in antisemitism.

A man and a woman were arrested in the Watford area on Wednesday in connection with an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in Finchley, north London. The Metropolitan Police are investigating the incident, which occurred just after midnight, as an antisemitic hate crime. Two individuals wearing dark clothing and balaclavas approached the synagogue on Fallow Court Avenue with bottles containing a substance believed to be petrol and a brick. The bottles did not ignite after being smashed against the building, and no damage or injuries were reported. Police patrols have been increased in the area to reassure the Jewish community following the incident.