Metropolitan Police are hunting two suspects after an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in north London, the latest in a series of antisemitic incidents that have shaken Britain's Jewish community.
The pair, dressed in dark clothing and wearing balaclavas, approached the Finchley Reform Synagogue shortly after midnight and threw two bottles suspected to contain petrol that failed to ignite, according to a Metropolitan Police statement.
Background
The incident in Finchley is being investigated as an antisemitic hate crime, with counterterrorism detectives assisting local officers. The attack follows a disturbing pattern of hostility toward Jewish institutions in Britain.
Last month, an arson attack destroyed four ambulances operated by Hatzola, a volunteer organization providing free medical transportation in north London. Two men and a boy have been charged in connection with that attack.
The most deadly incident occurred on October 2, 2025, when a synagogue in Manchester was attacked during Yom Kippur, killing two people and seriously injuring three. That attack prompted increased anxiety among Jewish communities nationwide.
A shadowy group claimed responsibility for the ambulance arson, telling CBS News it would continue targeting U.S. and Israeli interests worldwide. Analysts say the group likely has links to pro-Iranian regime elements.
In February, a court jailed two men for life after police foiled an ISIS-inspired plot to carry out a gun attack on a Jewish gathering in Manchester. Two Iranians also appeared in court in London in March, accused of spying on the Jewish community on behalf of Tehran.
The Investigation
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Thornberry of the Metropolitan Police said the two suspects fled the scene after the petrol bottles failed to ignite. Officers found the bottles at the scene and have submitted them for forensic analysis.
The force is circulating CCTV footage and descriptions of the suspects, who were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas. Detectives are also reviewing evidence from the recent spate of antisemitic incidents to identify any patterns or connections.
The Community Security Trust recorded 3,700 instances of anti-Jewish hate across the United Kingdom last year, a 4% increase from 2024, though down from the peak in 2023.
Key Takeaways
- Two balaclava-wearing suspects fled after attempting to ignite petrol bottles at Finchley Reform Synagogue
- Incident being investigated as antisemitic hate crime with counterterrorism support
- Attack follows deadly October 2025 synagogue shooting in Manchester that killed two people
- Shadowy group with suspected pro-Iranian ties claimed responsibility for related ambulance arson
- UK recorded 3,700 antisemitic incidents in 2025, a 4% rise from the previous year
What's Next
Police are seeking public assistance in identifying the two suspects. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police tip line. The investigation into potential links between this attempted attack and other recent antisemitic incidents remains ongoing.
Court dates for the men and boy charged in the Hatzola ambulance arson case have not been announced. Security remains heightened at synagogues and Jewish community centers across London.