Man, 37, arrested by counter-terror police investigating attacks on Jewish sites

A 37-year-old man has been arrested, on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts, by counter-terror police investigating a string of attacks on Jewish sites in London.

He was arrested at an address near Barnstaple , Devon , on Sunday, the Metropolitan Police said.

There have been 26 people over the series of attacks on Jewish sites since late March, the force added.

There have been arson attacks on Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green, north-west London, a synagogue and a former Jewish charity, as well as an incident where a drone was flown near the Israeli embassy.

Counter-terror police have been looking into the possible involvement of Iranian proxies.

Premises linked to people opposing the Iranian regime have also been targeted, the Met said last week.

An attempted arson attack was also carried out on April 15 at Finchley Reform Synagogue, and at about 8.30pm outside the offices of a Persian media company, both in north-west London.

On Tuesday, a 17-year-old boy pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to arson not endangering life following the attack on Kenton United Synagogue.

Speaking at the Kenton United Synagogue during a visit on Thursday afternoon, Sir Keir Starmer said: “We have to deal with malign state actors, that will require legislation.

“We’re going to bring that legislation forward.

“It’s really important we do that.

It’s very important this particular context because I’m increasingly concerned that a number of countries are using proxies for attacks in this country.”
At a roundtable discussion with leaders of the Jewish community, including Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and those local to the Kenton United Synagogue, the Prime Minister said the fight they face to practice their religion freely is “all of our fight”.