Counter-terror police are looking into whether the series of arson attacks against Jewish sites in north London has been carried out by Iranian proxies.
It comes after officers on “deterrence and reassurance patrols” in the wake of the previous incidents spotted damage to a window of Kenton United Synagogue, Harrow, at around midnight on Sunday.
Vicki Evans, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, said the incidents have been “similar in nature”, targeting Israeli and Jewish premises within London.
Ms Evans said most have been claimed online by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right.Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia has recently claimed attacks across Europe, including at Jewish and Israeli premises, Ms Evans said.
Video that appears to be published by the group, also known as Hayi, shows a person in dark clothing lighting an item and throwing it at the Kenton United Synagogue before running away.
It was filmed by another person behind the metal fence surrounding the building.
The clip named leaders at the place of worship and accused it of being “one of the centres of Zionist influence in the British capital”.This is abhorrent and it will not be tolerated. Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain.
“We are increasing visible policing and those responsible will be found and brought to justice. We will not rest in the pursuit of perpetrators.”
Charities and London’s mayor Sadiq Khan have also condemned the perpetrators, while the rabbi of Kenton United Synagogue today preached a message of solidarity.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: “At around midnight on Sunday, 19 April officers on deterrence and reassurance patrols following a series of incidents in north west London noticed damage to a window of the Kenton United Synagogue in Shaftesbury Avenue, Harrow.
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