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Attempted Arson Attack Reported at North-West London Synagogue

An attempted arson attack occurred overnight at Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow, north-west London, amid a series of similar incidents targeting Jewish properties. Police and fire services are investigating, with no injuries reported and minor smoke damage noted.

·2 min read
BBC Police officers patrol at a cordon near to an incident at the Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow

Another Attempted Arson Attack at North-West London Synagogue

Another attempted arson attack has been reported at a synagogue in north-west London amid a series of similar incidents targeting Jewish properties in the area.

The Community Security Trust (CST), an organisation that provides security for Jewish communities, confirmed that Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow was targeted overnight.

No injuries were reported, and there was no significant structural damage to the building. However, minor smoke damage was noted in an internal room, according to a CST spokesperson.

Recent Incidents Under Investigation

In the past month, multiple arson or attempted arson attacks have been reported on Jewish properties in the vicinity. These include an incident at a former Jewish charity's building in Hendon, which is currently being investigated by counter-terrorism officers as an antisemitic hate crime.

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Counter-terrorism units are also probing attempted arson attacks on a Persian language media organisation and a synagogue in Finchley, as well as incidents where ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity were set on fire in Golders Green.

Police Response and Scene Details

Kenton United Synagogue is located near a school and a children's playground. On Sunday morning, police were observed searching a black SUV in the vicinity of the synagogue.

A substantial police cordon has been established around the area. Forensic officers, fire investigation dogs, and several plainclothes officers are actively working at the scene to gather evidence.

One marked police vehicle and approximately five unmarked police cars were stationed outside the place of worship.

PA A marked Metropolitan Police car is parked on a residential street in north‑west London while emergency vehicles and several people stand beside parked cars further up the road, with trees and brick walls lining the street.
One marked and about five unmarked police cars were seen outside the synagogue on Sunday morning

Community Security Trust Statement

"We are aware of another attempted arson, this time targeting a synagogue in north London, following similar recent incidents targeting the Jewish community in Finchley, Golders Green and Hendon.
We want to thank the Met Police and London Fire Brigade for responding quickly and for all they are doing to protect the Jewish community during this unprecedented period.
We are supporting the affected location and are working closely with the police as they investigate and seek to identify those responsible."

Additional Information

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This article was sourced from bbc

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