Man Arrested in North London for Antisemitic Attacks; Separate Arrest in Taunton Mosque Incident

A 37-year-old man has been arrested in the Hendon area of north London on suspicion of religiously motivated criminal damage. The arrest, made on Friday, is connected to seven antisemitic incidents targeting synagogues and a school. The man remains in custody as investigations continue.

The Metropolitan Police are investigating the incidents, which were reported by community members. These crimes are the latest in a series of events that have highlighted religious tensions. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams stated that the arrest is a significant development following extensive CCTV inquiries. The police are maintaining close contact with the local Jewish community, offering support and reassurance.

The incidents involved a substance being smeared on four synagogues and a private residence. Additionally, liquid was thrown towards a school and over a car in Barnet, north London. The substance and liquid are believed to be bodily fluids. Police believe the same suspect is likely responsible for all seven offences, which are being investigated as religiously motivated criminal damage.

The initial report of religiously motivated criminal damage related to a synagogue on the morning of Wednesday, September 3. Further reports followed, including incidents at a private property on Thursday, September 4, and another synagogue on Sunday, September 7. A liquid was thrown at a school on Monday, September 8, and a substance was smeared on two other synagogues on Tuesday, September 2, and overnight on Thursday, September 11. A seventh incident, involving a liquid thrown over a car linked to a synagogue, occurred on Friday, August 15.

In a separate incident, a 34-year-old man from Taunton, Somerset, has been arrested on suspicion of racially and/or religiously aggravated criminal damage at a mosque in the town.