Two arrested in Watford for alleged antisemitic arson attempt in Finchley
Suspects are accused of targeting a Finchley synagogue
Two people have been arrested in Watford in connection with an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in Finchley.
The incident, which is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, occurred on Wednesday, 15th April.
Police arrested a 47-year-old woman at an address in Watford at 16:47 and a 46-year-old man in the Watford area at 19:15, both on suspicion of arson endangering life.
The arrests were carried out by officers from the Met’s North West Area Command Unit, and both suspects currently remain in custody.
The investigation follows an attempted attack on the synagogue located in Fallow Court Avenue, Finchley.
CCTV footage obtained by detectives shows two individuals dressed in dark clothing and balaclavas entering the synagogue's grounds at around 00:09 on Wednesday.
The suspects placed two glass bottles, believed to contain petrol, next to the synagogue’s windows and threw a brick at one, causing one bottle to smash.
Fortunately, neither of the bottles was ignited, and the suspects fled the scene without causing damage or harm.
The incident was reported to police by a synagogue staff member at approximately 08:30.
Detectives from the North West Command Area are leading the investigation, with support from Counter Terrorism Policing London.
Addressing the situation, Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who heads the area’s policing, 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.”