Counter terror officers are spearheading the probe following an alleged “firebombing” incident at a synagogue last night. The occurrence at Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow on Saturday night resulted in minor smoke damage to an interior room, as per the Community Security Trust (CST). The synagogue, located near a school and children’s playground, saw police examining a black SUV in the vicinity on Sunday morning. A significant cordon is in place, with forensics officers, fire investigators, and plainclothes officers actively engaged at the scene. Notably, one marked and five unmarked police cars were stationed outside the place of worship.

This incident coincides with a spate of arson or attempted arson attacks on Jewish property in north-west London over the past month. The Metropolitan Police, heightened by recent events, observed damage to a synagogue window around midnight last night. Upon closer inspection, evidence revealed smoke within a room and indications of an accelerant-filled bottle being thrown through the window.

A representative from the CST, an organization combatting antisemitism and safeguarding Jewish communities in the UK, acknowledged another attempted arson at a synagogue in north London. The spokesperson highlighted the escalating attacks on the Jewish community in Finchley, Golders Green, and Hendon, emphasizing the swift responses from the Met Police and London Fire Brigade to ensure community protection.

In light of these incidents, vigilance is urged, with the public encouraged to report any suspicious activity promptly to the police and CST. A spokesperson from the Campaign Against Antisemitism expressed concerns over the increasing frequency of arson attacks on Jewish institutions, with the latest targeting the synagogue in Kenton, London. Fortunately, the damage was contained, but the trend is alarming and demands immediate attention.