Counter terror police probe attack on Jewish charity's former premises in northwest London

Counter terrorism police are leading an investigation into an arson attack on a building that used to belong to a Jewish charity.

Officers were called to the incident at the former site of Jewish Futures in Hendon, northwest London at 10.31pm on Friday.

Despite having moved from the site, on Hendon Way, signage in the front window still bears the charity's name.

The Metropolitan Police has said the incident is not being treated as terrorism and officers are keeping an open mind about the motive.

The London Fire Brigade also attended the scene.

"A man approached a row of shops with a plastic bag containing what was later found to be three bottles containing fluid," the Met said.

He placed the bag next to the building and lit the items in the bag. The bottles failed to fully ignite and the man fled the scene, the force added.

There were no injuries and only minor damage was caused to the shopfront, the Met said.

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The investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London, supported by officers from the North West Command Area.

No arrests have been made.

The incident occurred around a mile away from Golders Green, where four Jewish community ambulances operated by volunteer-led service Hatzola were torched in an alleged arson attack last month.

David Pinto-Duschinsky, MP for Hendon, told Sky News that Friday's attack will "undoubtedly add to the concerns" among the large Jewish community in the area.

He said: "In Hendon we are proudly the home of a large Jewish community.

"We've seen the attacks on Hatzola in Golders Green which is just a mile down the road.

"(Also) the attack on Finchley Reform Synagogue, which is just a few miles away, so obviously this adds to the concerns the community has.

"Today is Sabbath and as people come out of Sabbath they will be greeted with this news so it's something I'm working very hard on and obviously it's a source of concern."

Commander Helen Flanagan, of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: "At this stage last night's arson is not being linked to other incidents in the North West London area over the last week or last month's arson in Golders Green but Counter Terrorism officers are leading due to the similarities of each attack.

"I would ask that anyone with information or footage that could help our investigation gets in touch with police as soon as possible."

"We will be relentless in our pursuit of those responsible for this and other, similar, hateful acts against London's communities."

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, said that Friday's incident will only "add fears to the community".

"Since the incident in Golders Green last month we have spoken extensively to community leaders," he added.

"I understand and appreciate their concerns.

"Local officers are working closely with Counter Terrorism Policing to support the investigation."

He said since last month's attack, patrols had been increased within the area.

Hendon Community Security Trust said in a statement: "We are aware of what appears to be another attempted arson, this time targeting a premises in north London previously used by the Jewish community.

"It caused minimal damage to a nearby doorway and no injuries.

"We are working closely with police to assist their investigation and to support the Jewish community."

The charity urged people to "remain calm" and report any suspicious activity to police immediately and then to the Community Security Trust.

(c) Sky News 2026: Counter terror police probe attack on Jewish charity's former premises in northwest London