Counter-terrorism police in the United Kingdom are investigating an arson attack on a building in north London that was previously used by a Jewish charity, amid a recent rise in similar incidents targeting Jewish-linked sites.
The fire broke out late Friday in Hendon, in northwest London, and caused only minor damage with no injuries reported, according to the Metropolitan Police. Officers were deployed to secure the area, where the building still bears signage linked to a Jewish educational organisation.
The investigation is being led by the Met’s counter-terrorism unit due to similarities with other recent attacks, although authorities say there is currently no confirmed link between the incidents.
The latest case comes just days after two suspects were arrested in connection with an arson attack on a synagogue in nearby Finchley. In a separate incident last month, multiple ambulances serving the Jewish community were set on fire in north London, further heightening concern among security officials.
The Community Security Trust, a charity that monitors antisemitism and supports Jewish safety in the UK, described the latest incident as another attempted arson targeting a former Jewish community site, though it said damage was limited.
Police say the suspect in Friday’s attack was seen placing a bag containing bottles of flammable liquid near the building before attempting to ignite them. The fire failed to fully spread, and the individual fled the scene.
Authorities are also examining a separate recent attack involving a burning object thrown at the offices of Iran International, a Persian-language media outlet critical of Iran’s leadership. A little-known group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI), claimed responsibility for that and other incidents, according to monitoring organisations.
While investigations continue, officials stress that no arrests have yet been made in the latest arson case, and inquiries remain ongoing into possible motives and links between the incidents.
