British counterterrorism officers have arrested seven people as part of an investigation into a suspected plan to carry out an arson attack on a venue linked to the Jewish community in London, authorities said.
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The arrests were made within the past 48 hours during what police described as a proactive inquiry into an alleged conspiracy to commit arson. Investigators believe the intended target was associated with the Jewish community, although the exact building or location has not yet been identified, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Police said the operation forms part of a wider investigation into a series of suspected arson incidents across the capital.
Arrests Across England
Officers carried out arrests in several locations, including the towns of Harpenden and Stevenage, as well as areas near Birmingham and the west London district of Ealing.
The investigation follows a suspected arson attack on 23 March in the north London area of Golders Green. In that incident, several ambulances belonging to a Jewish volunteer emergency response group were set alight outside a synagogue.
Since that attack, police say eight people have been formally charged with offences linked to arson. A further 13 individuals remain either in custody or released on bail while inquiries continue.
Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for counterterrorism policing, said authorities were determined to respond firmly to the incidents.
“Our message is clear, we will not tolerate this intimidation of our communities, and will pursue those responsible,” Evans said.
Investigators are also examining whether some suspects may have been hired to carry out the attacks.
“One of our key lines of inquiry is whether criminal proxies – that is to say people being paid money to carry out a crime – are being used to commit any of these arsons,” Evans added.
Teenager Charged in Separate Incident
In a separate development, police announced that a 17-year-old boy has been charged in connection with another suspected arson incident at a synagogue in the Kenton area of northwest London.
The teenager, who cannot be identified because of his age, is accused of arson not endangering life. Authorities said the fire caused minor damage to the building but no injuries were reported. The suspect is a British national.
Concerns Over Rising Attacks
The arrests come amid growing concern within the Jewish community about a series of recent incidents involving places of worship and community buildings.
On Sunday, Ephraim Mirvis warned that what he described as a “sustained campaign of violence and intimidation” against Jewish communities in the UK appeared to be escalating.
Mirvis pointed to several recent incidents, including the fire at the Kenton synagogue. He also referenced an attack last week targeting a synagogue in the north London area of Finchley, as well as an attempted attack on another building in Hendon.
Describing the Kenton incident as a “cowardly arson attack”, Mirvis urged authorities to ensure the safety of Jewish institutions and those who use them.
Police say investigations into the incidents remain ongoing.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 April 2026
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