Police treating arson attack as antisemitic hate crime

Police are treating an arson attack on a business in Hendon, north-west London, as an antisemitic hate crime.

The Metropolitan Police said a man was seen lighting a bag, which was later found to have contained three bottles with fluid in them, in the doorway. Minor damage was caused to the shopfront and no injuries were reported.

Counter terrorism officers are investigating the attack along with other similar incidents after "online claims of responsibility", the force said. No arrests have been made.

The Community Security Trust (CST), an organisation which provides security for Jewish people, said the building had formerly been used by the community.

The building had previously been listed as the head office of Jewish Futures, an educational charity.

The damaged doorway is located to the right of a Jewish Futures shop window, which has a to-let sign above it.

The damage is superficial and appears to be limited to scorch marks around the front door.

The shopfront is cordoned off with police tape and there are several police officers guarding the the scene.

Counter terrorism officers are also investigating attempted arson attacks on a Persian language media organisation and a synagogue in Finchley, as well as ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity set alight in Golders Green.

Det Ch Supt Luke Williams said Counter Terrorism Policing was leading on the investigation into these incidents "due to the similar circumstances and online claims of responsibility".

He said he understood the concerns of local residents, and added that police presence in the area had been increased, including armed patrols and officers trained to identify suspicious behaviour.

Officers will maintain a strong presence in the area including at Jewish places of worship and businesses, the Met said, with extra stop and search powers introduced across Barnet.

Armed response vehicles and counter terror policing resources have also been deployed to the area.

A CST spokeswoman added: "We are working closely with police to assist their investigation and to support the Jewish community.

"We urge people to remain calm and to report any suspicious activity, at any time of day or night, to police immediately on 999 and then to CST."