The pair were arrested in Hertfordshire yesterday (April 15)Police outside Finchley Reform Synagogue in north London after an attempted arson attack was made overnight, according to MP Sarah Sackman. Picture date: Wednesday April 15, 2026. PA Photo. Courts minister Sarah Sackman, who represents Finchley and Golders Green, said the attack happened at Finchley Reform Synagogue but "thankfully no one has been hurt". In a statement, she said: "This shocking attempt to harm a local synagogue follows a series of alarming attacks on the Jewish community in Finchley and Golders Green". Photo credit should read: Lucy North/PA Wire

An investigation has been launched in Finchley(Image: Lucy North/PA Wire)

Two people have been arrested in connection with an attempted ‘arson attack’ on a North London synagogue. Finchley Reform Synagogue was targeted in a suspected antisemitic hate crime, the Metropolitan Police confirmed following yesterday’s incident (April 15).

Officers said two people, who were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, were seen entering the grounds on Fallow Court Avenue shortly before 12.10am. Two glass bottles were placed near the building’s windows and a brick was thrown.

One of the bottles, thought to contain petrol, was smashed by the brick and neither of the flammable projectiles was ignited. The pair fled the scene, the force added, with no injuries or damage reported.

A police forensic officer outside Finchley Reform Synagogue in north London after an attempted arson attack was made overnight, according to MP Sarah Sackman. Picture date: Wednesday April 15, 2026. PA Photo. Courts minister Sarah Sackman, who represents Finchley and Golders Green, said the attack happened at Finchley Reform Synagogue but "thankfully no one has been hurt". In a statement, she said: "This shocking attempt to harm a local synagogue follows a series of alarming attacks on the Jewish community in Finchley and Golders Green". Photo credit should read: Lucy North/PA Wire

Forensics pictured at the scene outside Finchley Reform Synagogue (Image: Lucy North/PA Wire)

A 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man were arrested in the Watford area on Wednesday afternoon and evening, respectively. They remain in custody under suspicion of arson endangering life.

The alleged arson attempt comes weeks after four Hatzola ambulances were ‘set alight’ in the early hours, causing multiple gas canisters to explode. Three men – Hamza Iqbal, 20, Rehan Khan, 19, and a 17-year-old boy, have been charged with arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.

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.”

Security outside Finchley Reform Synagogue in north London after an attempted arson attack was made overnight, according to MP Sarah Sackman. Picture date: Wednesday April 15, 2026. PA Photo. Courts minister Sarah Sackman, who represents Finchley and Golders Green, said the attack happened at Finchley Reform Synagogue but "thankfully no one has been hurt". In a statement, she said: "This shocking attempt to harm a local synagogue follows a series of alarming attacks on the Jewish community in Finchley and Golders Green". Photo credit should read: Lucy North/PA Wire

Finchley residents have been told to expect to see an increased police and security presence (Image: Lucy North/PA Wire)

The clergy team of Finchley Reform Synagogue said the emotional and psychological impact of the incident is “significant”. A statement reads: “When something threatens our physical space and our community, it also strengthens our resolve to invest our time and our love in positive expressions of our Judaism and our values.

“For generations, Jews have responded to hatred with an affirmation of our purpose, refusing to have our identity defined by those who would do us harm. We are extremely grateful for the solidarity of our neighbours, local police and politicians.

“They help us remember that we are a community who would always choose to build bridges rather than walls. We are so grateful to those who are investing enormous energy in this moment to care for our physical security, which enables our community to focus on its spiritual and emotional wellbeing.”

Anyone with relevant information or footage is urged to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 1686/15APR.

Got a story for MyLondon? Get in touch via rebecca.mcculloch@reachplc.com

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