Teenagers arrested in connection with arson attack at Kenton Synagogue

Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with an arson attack at a synagogue in Harrow, the Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service has said.

A “bottle with some sort of accelerant had been thrown through the window” at Kenton United Synagogue at around midnight on Sunday, a spokesperson for the Met police previously said.

The Community Security Trust (CST) said that minor smoke damage to an internal room was caused but said no there were injuries or significant structural damage.

Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes told the Today programme on Monday morning that a 17-year-old boy and 19-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the incident.

He said: “I’m really pleased to say that overnight, we have news of two arrests in relation to that incident, 17 and 19-year-old males.

“We’ve made over the last weeks, 15 arrests in relation to a series of six incidents that have targeted Jewish premises, the Jewish led ambulance service and a Persian media organisation.”

On Sunday, Yehuda Black, the synagogue’s rabbi, said the item was thrown into the medical room.

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis described the arson attack as “cowardly” 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.”

The attack comes as counter-terror police announced they are looking into whether the series of arson attacks against Jewish sites in north London have been carried out by Iranian proxies.

Vicki Evans, deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, previously 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, which has recently claimed attacks across Europe.

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.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he is “appalled by recent attempted antisemitic arson attacks in North London”.

He added in his statement on X, formerly Twitter: “This is abhorrent and it will not be tolerated. Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain.”

Published: 20/04/2026 by Radio NewsHub