Counter terrorism police probe Iranian involvement attacks on Jewish venues

Counter-terror police are looking into whether the series of arson attacks against Jewish sites in north London has been carried out by Iranian proxies.

It comes after officers on “deterrence and reassurance patrols” in the wake of the previous incidents spotted damage to a window of Kenton United Synagogue, Harrow, at around midnight on Sunday.

Vicki Evans, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, said the incidents have been “similar in nature”, targeting Israeli and Jewish premises within London.

Ms Evans said most have been claimed online by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right.

Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia has recently claimed attacks across Europe, including at Jewish and Israeli premises, Ms Evans said.

Video that appears to be published by the group, also known as Hayi, shows a person in dark clothing lighting an item and throwing it at the Kenton United Synagogue before running away.

It was filmed by another person behind the metal fence surrounding the building.

The clip named leaders at the place of worship and accused it of being “one of the centres of Zionist influence in the British capital”.

The prime minister has condemned the series of attacks in north London.

Sir Keir Starmer vowed that those responsible would be “found and brought to justice”, in a post on the social media platform X.

The incident in Harrow is the latest in a series of similar attacks, with others recently reported in Finchley, Golders Green and Hendon.

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis called it “a cowardly arson attack” and warned “a sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum”.

The full post from the PM said: “I am appalled by recent attempted antisemitic arson attacks in North London.

“This is abhorrent and it will not be tolerated. Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain.

“We are increasing visible policing and those responsible will be found and brought to justice. We will not rest in the pursuit of perpetrators.”

Charities and London’s mayor Sadiq Khan have also condemned the perpetrators, while the rabbi of Kenton United Synagogue today preached a message of solidarity.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: “At around midnight on Sunday, 19 April officers on deterrence and reassurance patrols following a series of incidents in north west London noticed damage to a window of the Kenton United Synagogue in Shaftesbury Avenue, Harrow.

The police cordon at Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow. / Credit:

“On further inspection they saw smoke inside a room and evidence that a bottle with some sort of accelerant had been thrown through the window.

“The London Fire Brigade was called and firefighters searched the building to confirm that there was no further fire risk.

“The incident is being treated as arson and an investigation is underway led by Counter Terrorism Policing London, supported by local officers.”