New images from the scene of a suspected arson attack have shed light on what appears to be a key piece of evidence. Yesterday, a man and a woman were taken into custody on suspicion of arson endangering life following an incident at a synagogue in north London.
Two bottles, one believed to be filled with petrol, were positioned near Finchley Reform Synagogue in Fallow Court Avenue, Finchley, just after midnight on Wednesday, in what is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.
On Wednesday evening, the Metropolitan Police announced that officers had arrested a 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man on suspicion of arson endangering life. The force revealed that the woman was apprehended at a property in Watford and the 46-year-old man was detained in the Watford vicinity.
Both are currently held in custody, according to Scotland Yard. Officers reported that two individuals, clad in dark attire and balaclavas, were spotted approaching the synagogue shortly after midnight.
The bottle containing a substance presumed to be petrol was shattered by a brick hurled at the building. Neither of the bottles were set alight and the individuals fled the scene, the force added, with no damage or injuries recorded.
The incident is under investigation by detectives from the Met’s North West Command Unit, assisted by specialist detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing London. However, new images now show a fully intact wine bottle with what appears to be a clear liquid inside, and a blue piece of paper hanging out of it.
While it is impossible to confirm what the liquid is, forensic experts were seen inspecting it, and it was inside the area cordoned off by police. It was also later seen being swabbed by experts in blue pullovers, face masks and hairnets.
The bottle is actually a 75cl bottle of I Heart Sauvignon Blanc, which is available on Tesco’s website for £6.25. The heart logo on the neck and bottle label make it easy to identify when the images are zoomed in.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who oversees policing in the area, stated: “I hope the swift action by officers today to identify and arrest two people provides some reassurance and demonstrates how seriously we take attacks of this nature.
“However, we understand the significant concern the Jewish community will feel at another incident so soon after the arson attack on four ambulances in Golders Green. There is no suggestion the matter in Finchley and the incident in Golders Green, for which three people have been charged, are linked.
“Our increased patrols in the Finchley area continue, and I would ask that anyone with concerns speaks to my officers.”
Cantor Zoe Jacobs, senior clergy at the synagogue, said the Jewish community would “not be deterred by these cowardly acts”.
“Instead, we will continue to prioritise building bridges across the wider Barnet community,” she said.
Anyone with information about the incident on Wednesday morning or CCTV or dash-cam footage that could assist officers is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 1686/15APR.
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