London police nab man suspected of smearing feces on synagogues, other Jewish sites

LONDON — UK police said Friday that officers investigating a series of antisemitic incidents in north London had arrested a 37-year-old man.

The man was arrested in the Hendon area of north London on suspicion of religiously motivated criminal damage in connection with seven offenses and remains in custody, the Metropolitan Police said.

“This is a significant development in our investigation following substantial CCTV enquiries by officers,” said Detective Luke Williams.

The force said Thursday that seven Jewish premises, including four synagogues, had been targeted in separate incidents over recent weeks.

The synagogues and a private residence in Golders Green had feces smeared on them, while urine was thrown toward a school and over a car in two other instances.

“These are revolting and appalling acts,” Detective Superintendent Katie Harber, who is leading the investigation, said in a statement Thursday before the arrest.

Eighth Antisemitic Attack in Golders Green, Synagogue and Children’s Nursery Targeted#Shomrim North West London has been informed of yet another shocking incident in Golders Green. In the early hours of this morning, excrement was smeared on the entrance door of a local… pic.twitter.com/HZ3AMpYyKS

— Shomrim North West London (@shomrimlondon) September 11, 2025

“We are very aware of how distressing these offenses have been for those who have been targeted. We will not tolerate this kind of behavior,” she added.

Shomrim North West London, a neighborhood watch group for the Jewish community, thanked police for their work.

“This arrest is a testament to the strength of partnership between the community, Shomrim, and the police. We will continue to support those affected and ensure our community feels safe and reassured,” it wrote on X.

Police Arrest Suspect Following Spate of Antisemitic Attacks in Golders Green

This afternoon, police have arrested a male suspect in connection with the recent series of antisemitic criminal damage incidents at synagogues, a Jewish school, a nursery, and a passageway used by… pic.twitter.com/VydaP9YKzQ

— Shomrim North West London (@shomrimlondon) September 12, 2025

The UK has seen an increased number of antisemitic incidents in recent years, with a spike since the October 7, 2023, massacre by Hamas in Israel, and the resulting war in Gaza.

The Community Security Trust (CST), a Jewish charity, recorded 1,521 antisemitic incidents in the first six months of the year, down from a record high of 2,019 incidents in the first half of 2024.

But this year’s number was the second-highest on record, according to the charity, which has monitored antisemitism in Britain since 1984.