Met Police say Iranian proxies may be involved in arson attacks on Jewish sites

LocalPolitics
19 Apr 2026 • 10:40 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Met Police say Iranian proxies may be involved in arson attacks on Jewish sites

  • Counter-terror police are investigating a series of arson attacks targeting Jewish sites in north London, including a recent incident at Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow.
  • The Metropolitan Police are exploring potential links to Iranian proxies and a group named Ashab al-Yamin, which has claimed similar attacks across Europe.
  • Other recent incidents include an attempted arson in Hendon, bottles placed near Finchley Reform Synagogue, and four Jewish community ambulances being torched in Golders Green.
  • Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said that the incidents are “similar in nature” and may involve “criminal proxies” paid to commit the acts.
  • Jewish community leaders and political figures, including Sir Keir Starmer, have condemned the attacks.

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