Counter-Terrorism Police Probe London Synagogue Arson Attempt

Counter-terrorism police are investigating an attempted arson attack at the Kenton United Synagogue in northwest London overnight. The incident caused minor smoke damage to an internal room but no injuries or significant structural damage, according to a Metropolitan Police statement and the Community Security Trust (CST). Officers on deterrence patrols noticed damage to a window around midnight and found evidence that a bottle with some sort of accelerant had been thrown through it.

The synagogue is close to a school and children's playground. By Sunday morning, police had established a large cordon at the scene, with forensics officers, fire investigation dogs, and plainclothes officers present. The CST thanked the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade for their quick response during this 'unprecedented period'.

The Chief Rabbi described the attack as part of a sustained campaign of violence against the Jewish community in the UK. This incident follows a series of similar attacks on Jewish property over the past month, including an arson attack on a former premises of Jewish charity in northwest London that is also being investigated as antisemitic hate crime.

According to The Daily Mail, Ashab Al-Yamin has claimed responsibility for the attack via pro-Iran Telegram channels. The Campaign Against Antisemitism described this as part of a 'terrifying spate of daily arson attacks on the Jewish community'. London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have both condemned the attacks, with Starmer stating that perpetrators will face the full force of the law.

The Metropolitan Police have increased patrols across northwest London, deploying more officers and counter-terrorism units to protect communities and deter further incidents. No arrests have been made so far in connection with this attack or others reported recently.