Authorities in London are actively seeking two masked individuals involved in an attempted arson at a synagogue, a case being pursued as an “antisemitic hate crime,” on Wednesday.
The Metropolitan Police of the UK reported that the suspects, clad in “dark clothing and balaclavas,” targeted the synagogue located in the Finchley area just after midnight. They allegedly hurled two bottles, suspected to be filled with gasoline, along with a brick at the structure.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams acknowledged the heightened anxiety this incident might evoke, especially following a similar arson attempt in Golders Green the previous month. “We are collaborating with the synagogue involved and are in ongoing discussions with community leaders,” he stated.
He further assured, “The community can rest assured that such incidents are taken with utmost seriousness, and detectives are fervently working to identify the perpetrators.”
An officer examines the scene following the attempted arson at Finchley Reform Synagogue in London on April 15, 2026. Metropolitan Police are on the lookout for two suspects after gasoline-filled bottles were lobbed at the location. (Toby Shepheard/AFP/Getty Images)
Fortunately, neither of the bottles ignited, and there were no reported injuries or damage to the property.
British prosecutors earlier this month charged three suspects — ages 17, 19 and 20 — in an alleged arson attack targeting Jewish community ambulances in north London.
The March 23 incident unfolded at around 1:45 a.m. in the Golders Green neighborhood, where four ambulances operated by a volunteer emergency service serving the Jewish community were deliberately set ablaze in a synagogue parking lot.
A police forensics officer works during an investigation into an attempted arson attack at Finchley Reform Synagogue in north London on April 15, 2026. (Toby Shepheard/AFP/Getty Images)
In the latest incident, the Metropolitan Police said no arrests have been made as of Wednesday afternoon local time.
“If you have any CCTV, dash cam footage or information that could help officers please contact the police,” Williams said.
Police are seen outside a synagogue in London on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, following an attempted arson attack. (Toby Shepheard/AFP/Getty Images)
“Residents can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area over the coming days. We have brought in additional officers and would urge anyone with concerns to speak to them,” he added.
