Update: Boy convicted over Kenton synagogue arson attack

A teenage boy has pleaded guilty to committing an arson attack at a synagogue in Kenton.

The 17-year-old, a British national from Brent, pleaded guilty to committing arson not endangering life during his appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 21 April.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing said: "This is a significant development, being the first conviction in relation to one of the recent spate of arson attacks on Jewish, Israeli or Iranian-linked venues.

"We have been clear that we will be relentless in our pursuit of anyone who was involved in any of these attacks. This outcome shows how seriously we are taking these matters and the excellent work of all the officers and staff both in Counter Terrorism Policing and the Met Police, who have been working around the clock to progress the investigations. Enquiries remain ongoing in all of our investigations and our message to anyone involved is that we will identify you and you will be brought to justice."

The 17-year-old boy has been bailed to appear at his next hearing at Willesden Magistrates' Court on 4 June. The Judge imposed a number of strict bail conditions, which will be closely monitored for adherence ahead of his next appearance at court.

The charge relates to an arson attack at around 23:35hrs on Saturday, 18 April, at Kenton United Synagogue in Shaftsbury Avenue, Harrow. Around midnight, Met officers conducting security checks at local synagogues came across the crime scene. They alerted the London Fire Brigade.

The object - believed to be a petrol bomb - caused minor damage to the premises. Nobody was injured.

The 17-year-old boy was subsequently arrested by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London at an address in north-west London at approximately 22:10hrs on Sunday, 19 April.

A 19-year-old was also arrested at an address in north-west London as part of the investigation into the arson. He has been released on bail to a date in May.