British police investigating if Iranian proxies behind arson attacks on Jewish sites

By AP 19 April 2026, 5:07 pm

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A police forensic officer works inside a cordon set up near Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow, northwest London, on April 19, 2026, the scene of an overnight arson attack. (JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)

LONDON (AP) — British police say they are investigating whether a series of arson attacks on Jewish sites in London are the work of Iranian proxies.

The Metropolitan Police force says counterterror officers are probing the attacks on synagogues and other sites linked to the Jewish community, as well as an attack on a Persian-language media company.

No one has been injured in the blazes, the latest of which caused minor damage to a north London synagogue last night.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans says: “I’ve spoken previously about the Iranian regime’s use of criminal proxies, and we’re considering whether this tactic is being used here in London.”