Met Police probe possible Iranian involvement in London arson incidents

Incident at Kenton United Synagogue Sparks Investigation

A fire was reported at the Kenton United Synagogue in northwestern London overnight, causing minor damage to the site. The Metropolitan Police Service is leading an investigation into the incident and has confirmed that it is also examining a recent spate of arson attacks on Jewish sites in North London.

According to Vicki Evans, deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, most of the attacks have been attributed to the Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia group (Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right), which has also claimed responsibility for incidents at places of worship and business institutions in Europe. The police are aware that this group may have links to Iran.

Evans stated that the police were considering whether the tactic of “recruiting violence as a service” was being used in London, citing previous statements about Iran’s use of criminal proxies. Ashab al-Yamin emerged online in March and has claimed responsibility for several attacks on Jewish sites in Europe.

Recent incidents include an arson attack at the Finchley Reform Synagogue in North London, where a bottle containing accelerant was thrown inside, and the setting alight of Jewish-owned Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green. A man also attempted to light a bag containing three bottles of fluid outside the former premises of the Jewish Futures charity in Hendon.

The UK’s chief rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, described the Kenton fire as the third “cowardly” attack on Jewish sites in London in less than a week. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his opposition to the recent attacks and stated that those responsible would be brought to justice.

Source: Al Jazeera