Two people have been arrested after an attempted arson attack at a north London synagogue took place early Wednesday morning, which officers are treating as an antisemitic hate crime.
The Metropolitan Police said a 47-year-old woman was arrested at an address in Watford just after 4.45pm on Wednesday and a 46-year-old man was arrested at 7.15pm in the Watford area.
The arrests follow an investigation into the attempted attack on a synagogue in Fallow Court Avenue, Finchley.
It said CCTV obtained show two suspects, dressed in dark clothing and balaclavas, entering the grounds of the synagogue just after midnight on Wednesday.
Both suspects remain in police custody.
The suspects, police said, were seen placing two glass bottles next to the synagogue’s windows and threw a brick at the building.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, said: “I hope the swift action by officers today to identify and arrest two people provides some reassurance and demonstrates how seriously we take attacks of this nature.
“However, we understand the significant concern the Jewish community will feel at another incident so soon after the arson attack on four ambulances in Golders Green. There is no suggestion the matter in Finchley and the incident in Golders Green, for which three people have been charged, are linked.
“Our increased patrols in the Finchley area continue, and I would ask that anyone with concerns speaks to my officers.”
Cantor Zoe Jacobs, the senior clergy of FRS, said: “Last night, two men tried to attack our synagogue and were unsuccessful.
“This is clearly an attempt to intimidate the British Jewish community, but we will not be deterred by these cowardly acts.
“Instead, we will continue to prioritise building bridges across the wider Barnet community.”
At the scene on Wednesday afternoon, a forensics officer could be seen inspecting a green-topped wine bottle with a blue rag in the top, which appeared to be a bottle of I Heart Sauvignon Blanc, outside the synagogue.
