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<\/p>\nThe pair were arrested in Hertfordshire yesterday (April 15)<\/p>\n
An investigation has been launched in Finchley(Image: Lucy North\/PA Wire)<\/p>\n
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<\/a> confirmed following yesterday’s incident (April 15).<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Forensics pictured at the scene outside Finchley Reform Synagogue (Image: Lucy North\/PA Wire)<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The alleged arson attempt comes weeks after four Hatzola ambulances were ‘set alight’<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n Finchley residents have been told to expect to see an increased police and security presence (Image: Lucy North\/PA Wire)<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n Anyone with relevant information or footage is urged to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 1686\/15APR.<\/p>\n Got a story for MyLondon? Get in touch via rebecca.mcculloch@reachplc.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Stay in the loop with the latest North London news. <\/strong>Sign up to our MyNorthLondon newsletter HERE<\/a><\/strong> for daily updates and more.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n MyLondon is bringing you the latest on court and crime incidents and you can sign up to get the stories sent straight to your phone. Through the app, we’ll send you exclusives from court, breaking news and other crime related updates in our Crimewatch Community..<\/p>\n To join our community, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘join community’.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the MyLondon<\/a> team.<\/p>\n We also treat our subscribers to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To unsubscribe, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’. If you\u2019re curious, you can read our privacy notice<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/0_01KP8SSV0Y1M822DJJ27Q6KME2jpgured.jpg\")
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