A series of suspected arson attacks targeting Jewish sites in north-west London is raising concern among community leaders and authorities, with the UK’s Chief Rabbi warning that violence against the Jewish community is intensifying.
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The latest incident occurred overnight at Kenton United Synagogue, where police said a bottle containing an accelerant was thrown through a window, causing smoke damage inside the building. No injuries were reported.
Counter-terrorism officers from Metropolitan Police Service are investigating the attack alongside several similar incidents that have taken place across north-west London in recent weeks.
Community leaders and politicians have condemned the attacks, while police say those responsible could face prosecution under national security legislation.
Investigation into linked attacks
Authorities said the synagogue incident forms part of a wider investigation into multiple arson attacks targeting Jewish-linked locations.
Among the other incidents under examination are fires at Finchley Reform Synagogue and at a building used by a Jewish charity in Hendon. Ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity were also set alight in Golders Green last month.
Police are also examining an arson attack at a Persian-language media organisation.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said investigators were considering whether the incidents were connected and noted that attacks had been claimed online by a group calling itself Ashab al-Yamin.
She said reports suggesting the group may have links to Iran were being assessed as part of the investigation.
Evans added that authorities were exploring whether criminal proxies had been recruited to carry out attacks in exchange for payment.
“This is recruiting violence as a service,” she said, warning that suspects identified could face severe penalties under the National Security Act.
Leaders condemn synagogue attack
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis described the Kenton incident as a “cowardly arson attack” and said recent events signalled a growing campaign of intimidation against Britain’s Jewish community.
Writing on social media, he said attacks on the community’s ability to worship safely represented a broader threat to the values of British society.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” by the attack and pledged stronger security measures.
“Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain,” he said, adding that visible policing would be increased and those responsible would be brought to justice.
London’s mayor Sadiq Khan also condemned the incidents, saying there could be no justification for targeting Jewish residents or institutions.
Community response
The synagogue’s rabbi, Yehuda Black, said the incendiary object had been thrown into the building’s medical room.
He said the attack was distressing for the congregation, describing the synagogue as an important place of worship and community life.
The building has been temporarily closed following the incident but is expected to reopen within a few days.
Security organisation Community Security Trust said it was working closely with police while supporting those affected.
Meanwhile, Campaign Against Antisemitism warned that the incidents appeared to be forming a worrying pattern of repeated attacks.
Police have increased patrols across north-west London, deploying additional officers along with armed and counter-terrorism units in an effort to deter further incidents and reassure local communities.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 April 2026
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