Two teenagers have been arrested following an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in north London over the weekend, police said.

British police confirmed on Monday that a 17-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man were taken into custody overnight in connection with the incident at Kenton United Synagogue.

Counter-terror investigation underway

Counter-terrorism officers are investigating whether the attack is linked to a series of recent incidents targeting Jewish sites across London, including potential connections to Iranian-backed activity.

Police said the fire broke out at the synagogue early on Sunday, causing minor smoke damage to an internal room. No injuries were reported.

Series of recent incidents

The attack is the latest in a pattern of arson-related incidents affecting Jewish locations in the capital in recent weeks.

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On Friday, officers responded to an attempted arson attack on a business linked to the Jewish community. Last week, two suspects were arrested over a separate attempt to set fire to another synagogue.

In a separate incident last month, several ambulances belonging to the Jewish volunteer emergency service Hatzola were deliberately set alight near a synagogue in the Golders Green area.

Embassy alert and security concerns

Police also briefly cordoned off an area near the Israeli embassy in Westminster over the weekend after reports that drones carrying “dangerous substances” had been deployed. Officers later confirmed that the items posed no threat.

Security officials are assessing whether the incidents are connected and form part of a broader pattern of hostile activity. Authorities have previously warned that Iran may attempt to carry out operations in the UK using criminal proxies.

Investigations remain ongoing, with increased police patrols around Jewish sites and renewed calls for vigilance.

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London arson attack Jews crime