British counter-terrorism police are investigating possible links to Iran in a series of arson attacks targeting Jewish sites in London, as concerns grow over what officials describe as an escalating threat to the Jewish community.
The latest incident occurred shortly after midnight at Kenton United Synagogue, marking the third such attack in less than a week. Authorities confirmed that while the fire caused limited damage, it is part of a pattern of coordinated incidents now under investigation.
Counter Terrorism Policing has taken charge of the investigation, examining whether a pro-Iranian group may be behind the attacks. The group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyya, has claimed responsibility and released a video allegedly showing the Kenton attack.
Vicki Evans, the UK’s senior national coordinator for counter-terrorism policing, said authorities are aware of reports suggesting links between the group and Iran.
“As the conflict in the Middle East continues to evolve, we remain alert to the threat of Iranian hostile activity in the UK,” Evans said, adding that investigators are actively exploring the alleged connections.
Ephraim Mirvis described the incidents as a “sustained campaign of violence and intimidation” against the Jewish community.
“Thank God, no lives have been lost, but we cannot, and must not, wait for that to change before we understand how dangerous this moment is,” he said.
The recent attacks include an attempted arson at a Jewish-linked business on Friday and the arrest of two suspects earlier in the week over another synagogue attack.
Police have increased patrols and deployed additional resources across affected areas. Officers on a deterrence patrol discovered damage at the Kenton synagogue, where an accelerant had been thrown into the building.
An area near the Israeli Embassy London was also temporarily cordoned off after reports of a drone threat involving “dangerous substances,” though no hazardous materials were ultimately found.
Last month, ambulances belonging to the Jewish volunteer emergency service Hatzola were set on fire near a synagogue in Golders Green.
Keir Starmer condemned the attacks, calling them “abhorrent” and stressing that “attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain.”
Security officials have long warned that Iran may use proxy actors to carry out operations abroad. Recent cases include charges against two men accused of conducting surveillance on Jewish and Israeli-linked sites on behalf of Tehran.
Evans described the trend as “violence as a service,” where individuals are recruited for financial gain rather than ideological commitment.
Investigations remain ongoing as authorities work to determine the full extent of the network behind the attacks and assess any potential foreign involvement.