An arson attack on a business in Hendon, north-west London, is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, with counter-terrorism officers leading the investigation due to similarities with recent incidents in the area.
The Metropolitan Police said a man was seen approaching a row of shops on Friday evening carrying a plastic bag containing three bottles filled with liquid, BBC reported.
He placed the bag near a doorway and attempted to ignite it before fleeing when the bottles failed to fully catch fire.
The attack caused minor damage, leaving scorch marks around the entrance, but no injuries were reported.
The targeted premises had previously been associated with Jewish community use, including links to an educational charity.
Police have increased patrols across the area, including armed officers and personnel trained to identify suspicious activity.
Additional stop-and-search powers have also been introduced across Barnet to reassure residents and deter further incidents.
Series of similar attacks under scanner
Authorities are also investigating other recent attempted arson attacks, including incidents targeting a synagogue in Finchley and a Persian-language media organisation in Wembley.
Officials said they are keeping an open mind about whether the cases are linked, though “online claims of responsibility” and similar methods have prompted counter-terrorism units to take charge of the probe.
Community groups have urged vigilance but appealed for calm. The Community Security Trust (CST), which provides security support to Jewish communities, said it is working closely with police and advised people to report suspicious activity immediately.
Online claims and possible organised pattern
Investigators are examining claims circulated on pro-Iranian social media channels by a group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyah (HAYI), which has allegedly taken responsibility for multiple incidents across Europe.
Security experts suggest the group may be operating as a loosely organised network, possibly recruiting individuals to carry out attacks rather than functioning as a traditional structured outfit.
Police, however, have not formally confirmed any direct links between the group and the Hendon attack.
Earlier attack on Jewish ambulances
The latest incident follows a major arson attack last month in Golders Green, another north London area with a significant Jewish population. Four ambulances belonging to a Jewish volunteer emergency service were set ablaze in the early hours of March 23.
Explosions caused by oxygen and gas canisters inside the vehicles damaged nearby properties and forced some residents to evacuate.
Three suspects — aged 20, 19 and 17, were later arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, led by counter-terrorism policing, though the case has not been formally classified as terrorism.
