Two people from Hertfordshire have been arrested in connection with an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in Finchley.
Hertfordshire Constabulary are assisting the met with an investigation into the attempted attack on a synagogue in Fallow Court Avenue, Finchley. The incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.
At 4.47pm on Wednesday, April 15, police arrested a 47-year-old woman at an address in Watford on suspicion of arson endangering life.
Later that day, at 7.15pm, officers arrested a 46-year-old man in the Watford area on suspicion of arson endangering life.
The arrests were made by officers from the Met’s North West Area Command Unit and both suspects remain in police custody.
A Facebook post by Herts police reassured the community, it read: "We understand that many, particularly in our Jewish community, will be concerned by these developments. The county remains a safe place however we will be increasing our patrols and visibility at key locations around the county in the coming days to reassure the public. This will include synagogues and other religious sites.
"We have a zero tolerance of hate crime and will respond to any reports and take appropriate action. Everyone deserves to feel safe.
"If you have any concerns, please approach one of our officers, or you can contact your Neighbourhood Team through our website.
"To report anything suspicious, call 999 immediately."
What happened in the suspected attack?
CCTV obtained by detectives during the course of the investigation shows that two suspects, who were dressed in dark clothing and balaclavas, gained entry to the synagogue’s grounds at around 12.09am on Wednesday, April 15.
They were seen to place two glass bottles next to the synagogue’s windows and threw a brick at the building. One of the bottles, which contained a substance suspected to be petrol, was smashed by the brick. Neither of the bottles were ignited and the suspects fled the scene.
No damage was caused to the building and no injuries were reported.
The incident was reported to police at around 8.30am by a staff member at the synagogue.
The investigation is being led by detectives from the North West Command Area, with support from Counter Terrorism Policing London.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, said: “I hope the swift action by officers today to identify and arrest two people provides some reassurance and demonstrates how seriously we take attacks of this nature.
“However, we understand the significant concern the Jewish community will feel at another incident so soon after the arson attack on four ambulances in Golders Green. There is no suggestion the matter in Finchley and the incident in Golders Green, for which three people have been charged, are linked.
“Our increased patrols in the Finchley area continue, and I would ask that anyone with concerns speaks to my officers.”
Anyone with information about the incident on Wednesday morning or CCTV or dash-cam footage that could assist officers is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 1686/15APR.
Share