UK Police Report Attempted Antisemitic Hate Crime at London Synagogue

Authorities in London are actively searching for two masked individuals involved in an attempted arson at a synagogue, an incident currently being investigated as an antisemitic hate crime.

The Metropolitan Police of the United Kingdom reported that the suspects, clad in dark attire and wearing balaclavas, targeted the synagogue in Finchley shortly after midnight on Wednesday. They hurled two bottles, which are believed to have contained petrol, along with a brick at the building.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams acknowledged the distress this event might cause, especially following a similar arson attack in Golders Green last month. “We are collaborating with the affected synagogue and maintaining dialogue with community leaders,” he stated, emphasizing the seriousness with which such incidents are treated. “Our detectives are working diligently to identify those responsible,” he assured.

Authorities have released a photograph showing a police officer examining the scene outside Finchley Reform Synagogue, where the attack took place on April 15, 2026. The Metropolitan Police are urging anyone with information to come forward as they continue their investigation into the attack.

A police officer investigates after an attempted arson attack at Finchley Reform Synagogue in London on April 15, 2026. Metropolitan Police are seeking two suspects after bottles believed to contain gasoline were thrown at the building. (Toby Shepheard/AFP/Getty Images)

Police said neither bottle ignited and no damage or injuries were reported. 

British prosecutors earlier this month charged three suspects — ages 17, 19 and 20 — in an alleged arson attack targeting Jewish community ambulances in north London. 

The March 23 incident unfolded at around 1:45 a.m. in the Golders Green neighborhood, where four ambulances operated by a volunteer emergency service serving the Jewish community were deliberately set ablaze in a synagogue parking lot.

A police forensics officer works during an investigation into an attempted arson attack at Finchley Reform Synagogue in north London on April 15, 2026. (Toby Shepheard/AFP/Getty Images)

In the latest incident, the Metropolitan Police said no arrests have been made as of Wednesday afternoon local time. 

“If you have any CCTV, dash cam footage or information that could help officers please contact the police,” Williams said.

Police are seen outside a synagogue in London on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, following an attempted arson attack. (Toby Shepheard/AFP/Getty Images)

“Residents can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area over the coming days. We have brought in additional officers and would urge anyone with concerns to speak to them,” he added.