An attempted arson attack on a building in Hendon that used to belong to a Jewish educational charity is being investigated by counter-terrorism police (CTP).
Officers were called to the former site of Jewish Futures in northwest London on Friday after a man was seen igniting a bag containing three bottles of fluid and putting them through the doors.
He is reported to have fled the scene when the bottles failed to fully ignite.
Minor damage was caused, but no injuries reported.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) attended the scene.
The Met said: “The investigation into the incident is being led by CTP London, supported by officers from the North West Command Area.
“It is not being treated as a terrorist incident and officers are keeping an open mind about the motive behind the attack.”
The decision to bring in counter-terrorism officers comes after online claims of responsibility on social media by Iranian-linked Islamist group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia.
The group, whose name translates to Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, has also claimed responsibility for a number of other recent attacks.
Commander Helen Flanagan, of CTP London, said: “At this stage last night’s arson is not being linked to other incidents in the North West London area over the last week or last month’s arson in Golders Green but Counter Terrorism officers are leading due to the similarities of each attack.
“I would ask that anyone with information or footage that could help our investigation gets in touch with police as soon as possible.
“We will be relentless in our pursuit of those responsible for this and other, similar, hateful acts against London’s communities.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, said: “Since the incident in Golders Green last month we have spoken extensively to community leaders. I understand and appreciate their concerns, and I know this latest incident will add to fears in the community.
“Local officers are working closely with Counter Terrorism Policing to support the investigation.
“The community can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area. Since last month’s attack in Golders Green, we have stepped up police patrols and vigilance to reassure communities and disrupt offenders.
“This includes armed police patrols as well as deployments of officers from Project Servator, who are specially trained to spot anyone who may be planning or preparing to commit criminal acts.”
The Community Security Trust (CST) told the JC: “We are aware of what appears to be another attempted arson, this time targeting a premises in north London previously used by the Jewish community
“It caused minimal damage to a nearby doorway and no injuries.
“We are working closely with police to assist their investigation and to support the Jewish community. We urge people to remain calm and to report any suspicious activity, at any time of day or night, to police immediately on 999 and then to CST.”
Hendon MP David Pinto-Duschinsky posted on X after the attempted attack: “I am appalled by the news of the antisemitic arson attack on the former HQ of Jewish Futures in Hendon.
“I know our whole community will join me in their revulsion at this despicable act. I am relieved no one was hurt, and am working closely with the Police, the CST, Barnet Council and the London Fire Brigade.
“This attack comes on the heels of the abhorrent antisemitic attack on Hatzola in Golders Green, barely a mile away, and the attempted firebombing of Finchley Reform Synagogue, also nearby.”
The MP continued: “I am absolutely determined to do all in my power to ensure our Jewish community is safe and able to live full, open and proud Jewish lives, free from fear.
“I will not tolerate this cowardly attempt to intimidate our community and to normalise the vile poison of antisemitism.”
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