Two arrests made in Finchley attempted arson investigation

Two people have been arrested in connection with an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in Finchley.

The incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.

At 16:47hrs on Wednesday, 15 April, police arrested a 47-year-old woman at an address in Watford on suspicion of arson endangering life.

At 19:15hrs, officers arrested a 46-year-old man in the Watford area on suspicion of arson endangering life.

The arrests were made by officers from the Met’s North West Area Command Unit. Both suspects remain in police custody.

It follows an investigation into the attempted attack on a synagogue in Fallow Court Avenue, Finchley.

CCTV obtained by detectives during the course of the investigation today shows that two suspects, who were dressed in dark clothing and balaclavas, gained entry to the synagogue’s grounds at around 00:09hrs on Wednesday, 15 April.

They were seen to place two glass bottles next to the synagogue’s windows and threw a brick at the building. One of the bottles, which contained a substance suspected to be petrol, was smashed by the brick. Neither of the bottles were ignited and the suspects fled the scene.

No damage was caused to the building and no injuries were reported.

The incident was reported to police at around 08:30hrs by a staff member at the synagogue.

The investigation is being led by detectives from the North West Command Area, with support from Counter Terrorism Policing London.

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.”

Anyone with information about the incident on Wednesday morning or CCTV or dash-cam footage that could assist officers is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 1686/15APR.