Teenage boy pleads guilty to arson after attack on London synagogue

The teenager, who has not been named because of his age, admitted arson not endangering life at Westminster Magistrates’ Court
A 17-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to arson after an attack on a synagogue in north-west London on Saturday night.

The teenager, a British national from Brent, north-west London, who has not been named because of his age, admitted arson not endangering life at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Footage was posted online, appearing to show a figure in dark clothing setting light to a bottle of liquid and throwing it through a window at Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow late on Saturday.

Jewish charity the Community Security Trust said minor smoke damage to an internal room was caused, but there were no injuries or significant structural damage.

At the short hearing, the 17-year-old, who was flanked by two security officers in the dock, spoke only to confirm his personal details and to plead guilty to the charge.

Two family members, including his mother, sat in seats in front of the dock.

She told the defendant, “I’m going to grant you bail so that you can be released today.

“If you breach these bail conditions, you will be arrested by the police.”
The boy is due to appear at Willesden Youth Court on June 4.

A 19-year-old man who was also arrested after the attack has been released on bail pending further inquiries, the Metropolitan Police said.