Another attempted arson attack on synagogue reported

Another attempted arson attack has been reported at a north-west London synagogue following a spate of similar incidents.

The Community Security Trust (CST), an organisation which provides security for Jewish people, said Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow was attacked overnight.

No one was injured and no significant structural damage was caused, although there was minor smoke damage to an internal room, a spokesperson said.

Multiple arson or attempted arson attacks have been reported on Jewish property in the area in the past month including at a former Jewish charity's building in Hendon, which counter terrorism officers are investigating as an antisemitic hate crime.

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.

Kenton United Synagogue is close to a school and children's playground, and police were seen searching a black SUV nearby on Sunday morning.

A large cordon is in place and a forensics officer, fire investigation dogs and several plainclothes officers were working at the scene.

One marked and about five unmarked police cars were outside the place of worship.

A spokesperson for CST said: "We are aware of another attempted arson, this time targeting a synagogue in north London, following similar recent incidents targeting the Jewish community in Finchley, Golders Green and Hendon.

"We want to thank the Met Police and London Fire Brigade for responding quickly and for all they are doing to protect the Jewish community during this unprecedented period.

"We are supporting the affected location and are working closely with the police as they investigate and seek to identify those responsible."

On Saturday evening, the Met Police said it was increasing patrols across north‑west London, with more officers, stop and search powers, and armed and counter‑terrorism units deployed to protect communities and deter further incidents.