Counter-terror police are investigating whether the series of arson attacks against the Jewish community in north London have been carried out by Iranian proxies.
A synagogue in Harrow was “firebombed” overnight in the latest incident in a “terrifying” spate of recent arson attacks against Jewish sites in the capital.
The Met said the incidents were “similar in nature” and said Iranian proxy group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, have claimed responsibility for most of the attacks online.
Officers are following a line of inquiry to establish if the group is paying thugs for hire to carry out the attacks on its behalf on British soil.
The same group has recently claimed attacks across Europe, including at Jewish and Israeli premises, Ms Evans said.
Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner Vicki Evans said: “We are aware of public reporting that suggests this group may have links to Iran.
“As you would expect, we will continue to explore that question as our investigation evolves.
“I’ve spoken previously about the Iranian regime’s use of criminal proxies, and we are considering whether this tactic is being used here in London.”
She went on: “I want to be clear, irrespective of the motivation of this group, to those who are facilitating this activity on their behalf and those who are committing the acts, we will not tolerate activity that seeks to intimidate and harm our communities, you will not succeed in creating division and hate.
“As the conflict in the Middle East continues to evolve, counter-terrorism policing and our partners remain alive to the threat of Iranian hostile activity in the UK.
“We are aware of public reporting that suggests this group may have links to Iran – as you would expect we will continue to explore that question as our investigation evolves.”
The deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Matt Jukes said “we are facing a concerted campaign which is targeting Londoners and specifically targeting Britain’s Jewish community”.
“London is better than this, we should be standing alongside our neighbours”, he added. “We need a response across the whole of society – across all faiths, across all politics, across charities, across businesses – we need people to speak out against extremism”.
In the latest attack police were called to Kenton United Synagogue in Shaftesbury Avenue, Harrow, at around midnight after a bottle containing an accelerant was thrown through a window.
It caused smoke damage, but there were no injuries and no significant structural damage.
Video that appears to be published by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, also known as Hayi, shows a person in dark clothing lighting an item and throwing it at the 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”.
The Chief Rabbi called the attack “cowardly” and said “a sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum”.
It follows follows similar recent incidents targeting the Jewish community in northwest London, all that are being investigated by Counter Terror Policing London.
On Friday a building formerly used by a Jewish charity in Hendon, was targeted by an attempted arsonist in an incident being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.
A synagogue in Finchley was targeted earlier this week and ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity set alight in Golders Green last month.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” by the spate of attacks.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis called it “a cowardly arson attack” and said “a sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum”.
His statement shared on X said: “This sustained attack on our community’s ability to worship and live in safety is an attack on the values that bind us all together.”
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said in a statement: “London’s Jewish communities have been targeted with a series of shameful antisemitic arson attacks on charities, businesses and places of worship. I know that many Jewish Londoners will be concerned about their safety.”
He said “an Iranian organisation has claimed responsibility for facilitating attacks and the counter-terrorism police are investigating”, adding that he remains in close contact with the Metropolitan Police which has increased its resources to protect and reassure Jewish communities.
He added: “There can never be any justification for attacking our Jewish friends, neighbours and colleagues. Those responsible are seeking to promote fear, hatred and division.
“They can’t stand what our city represents – an open, diverse, pluralistic society that embraces and celebrates our differences.
“History shows that we will never back down against terrorists. In London, we will stand with our Jewish communities, unite against those who seek to divide us, and ensure that those responsible face the full force of the law.
“I want to thank the police, security services, Community Security Trust and others working so hard to keep our communities safe.”
