Series of anti-Jewish attacks in London fuels fears after latest arson attempt
Counter-terrorism police are investigating an arson attack on a Jewish charity in north London.
A man was seen attempting to light a supermarket carrier bag containing three bottles of flammable liquid outside Jewish Futures in Hendon on Friday night.
The suspect fled the scene after the bottles failed to ignite. Police and the London Fire Brigade were called at 10:31 pm.
Although the incident is not being treated as a terrorist attack, the investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London, supported by officers from the North West Command Area.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “A man was seen to approach a row of shops with a plastic bag containing what was later found to be three bottles containing fluid.
“He placed the bag next to the building and lit the items in the bag. The bottles failed to ignite fully and the man fled the scene. Minor damage was caused to the shopfront and no injuries were reported.
“It is not being treated as a terrorist incident and officers are keeping an open mind about the motive behind the attack.”
However, The Telegraph understands that Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, an Iran-linked group, posted a video online of the preparation of the device and subsequent attempted arson.
Spate of attacks
Jewish Futures is a charity that connects “multiple Jewish educational brands under one roof working for the same deeply ingrained core values”. Its website adds that it seeks to “build stronger connections with Jews of all ages and backgrounds”.
There has been a spate of attacks on the Jewish community, possibly fueled by increased tensions because of the war in the Middle East.
A man and woman were arrested last week after a synagogue was hit with suspected petrol bombs in an anti-Semitic attack.
Two people wearing balaclavas threw a brick and two bottles, believed to contain petrol, at Finchley Reform Synagogue in the early hours of Wednesday, according to the police.
Last month, four Jewish-owned ambulances were firebombed in Golders Green, north London.
Commander Helen Flanagan, of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “At this stage, last night’s arson is not being linked to other incidents in the North West London area over the last week or last month’s arson in Golders Green, but Counter Terrorism officers are leading due to the similarities of each attack.
“I would ask that anyone with information or footage that could help our investigation gets in touch with police as soon as possible.
“We will be relentless in our pursuit of those responsible for this and other, similar, hateful acts against London’s communities.”
‘This will raise fears’
Det Ch Supt Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, said: “Since the incident in Golders Green last month we have spoken extensively to community leaders. I understand and appreciate their concerns, and I know this latest incident will add to fears in the community.
“Local officers are working closely with Counter Terrorism Policing to support the investigation.
“The community can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area. Since last month’s attack in Golders Green, we have stepped up police patrols and vigilance to reassure communities and disrupt offenders.
“This includes armed police patrols as well as deployments of officers from Project Servator, who are specially trained to spot anyone who may be planning or preparing to commit criminal acts.”
Politics Editor
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