Police Hunt Two Suspects After Attempted Arson Attack On North London Synagogue
Police hunt two suspects after attempted arson attack on north London synagogue Masked pair threw petrol-filled bottles and a brick at Finchley Reform Synagogue in suspected antisemitic hate crime Police have launched a manhunt for two suspects after an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in north London, in what authorities are treating as a suspected antisemitic hate crime.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight at Finchley Reform Synagogue in the Fallow Court Avenue area, where two individuals wearing dark clothing and balaclavas approached the building and threw two bottles believed to contain petrol, along with a brick, at the premises. Fortunately, the incendiary devices did not ignite, meaning no fire broke out and no injuries were reported. Police confirmed there was also no structural damage to the building, though the incident has caused concern within the local community.
- Two suspects involved in attempted arson attack on synagogue in north London
- Incident took place shortly after midnight at Finchley Reform Synagogue
- Suspects wore dark clothing and balaclavas to conceal identity
- Petrol-filled bottles and a brick were thrown at the building
- Devices failed to ignite; no damage or injuries reported
- Metropolitan Police treating incident as suspected antisemitic hate crime
- Counter Terrorism Policing supporting ongoing investigation
The Metropolitan Police have increased patrols in the area and are appealing for witnesses, CCTV footage, and any dashcam recordings that may assist in identifying the suspects.
Officers say the attack is being taken “extremely seriously,” and specialist detectives are working urgently to trace those responsible.
Local leaders and community representatives have expressed concern over the incident, describing it as deeply distressing, particularly given recent tensions and previous attacks targeting Jewish institutions in north London.
Security around the synagogue and nearby religious sites has been reviewed following the incident.The attack comes amid heightened concern about antisemitic incidents in parts of the UK, with several Jewish sites having faced threats or attacks in recent months.
Authorities have repeatedly stressed that places of worship must remain safe spaces, and investigations into similar incidents have often been handled in coordination with counter-terrorism units when hate crime is suspected.
The attempted attack has intensified discussions around:
- Security of religious institutions in urban areas
- Rising concerns about antisemitic hate crime
- Emergency preparedness and policing of faith-based sites
- Community reassurance measures and surveillance improvements
- Police investigate attempted firebombing of north London synagogue
- Manhunt launched after antisemitic hate crime suspicion in Finchley
- Community on alert following attack on place of worship
