Two teenagers arrested over attack on Harrow synagogue

Two suspects, aged 17 and 19, have been arrested following an arson attack on the Kenton United Synagogue in northwest London.

According to Matt Jukes, the suspects were taken into custody overnight after a “firebomb” was thrown at the synagogue in the early hours of Sunday. A bottle containing an accelerant was reportedly used, causing minor smoke damage but no injuries.

The incident is part of a wider pattern of attacks targeting Jewish communities in London. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 15 arrests have been made in recent weeks in connection with six separate incidents, including attacks on Jewish premises, a Jewish ambulance service, and a Persian media organisation.

Authorities are investigating possible links to Ashab al-Yamin, which has claimed responsibility for several similar attacks across Europe. Police are also examining whether the group has connections to Iran and whether individuals were recruited as proxies for financial incentives.

Vicki Evans said investigators are exploring whether foreign actors are using criminal networks in what has been described as a form of “hybrid warfare.”

The attack drew condemnation from Ephraim Mirvis, who described it as cowardly and warned of a growing campaign of intimidation against the UK’s Jewish community.

The Harrow incident follows a series of related events, including arson at a former Jewish charity building, suspicious items found near the Israeli Embassy, and previous fire attacks on ambulances operated by a Jewish organisation in Golders Green.