A 17-year-old boy from Brent has been admitted to starting a fire at a Kenton synagogue in a shocking arson attack.
First Conviction in Recent Spate of Attacks
The teenager pleaded guilty to arson, not endangering life during his court appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 21 April. The attack took place on the night of Saturday, 18 April, at Kenton United Synagogue in Shaftsbury Avenue, Harrow. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: “This is a significant development, being the first conviction in relation to one of the recent spates of arson attacks on Jewish, Israeli or Iranian-linked venues.” She added, “We have been clear that we will be relentless in our pursuit of anyone involved in any of these attacks. This outcome shows how seriously we are taking these matters and the excellent work of all the officers and staff, both in Counter Terrorism Policing and the Met Police.”
Details of the Attack and Arrests
The arson happened around 11:35pm and involved what’s believed to have been a petrol bomb. Thankfully, the damage was minor and no injuries were reported. Met officers found the scene during routine security checks just after midnight and quickly called in the London Fire Brigade. The 17-year-old was arrested the following evening (Sunday, 19 April) at a north-west London address by Counter Terrorism Policing London officers. A 19-year-old man was also arrested nearby and later released on bail.
Strict Bail and Ongoing Investigations
The teen has been granted bail with strict conditions and is set to appear next at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on 4 June. Police have promised they will continue to investigate all related incidents, warning: “We will identify you and you will be brought to justice.”
