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Counter-terrorism police are probing whether Iranian-backed "thugs for hire" are launching arson attacks on London synagogues. In the early hours of Saturday morning, Britain's Jewish community faced another assault after a firebombing was carried out on the Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis warned that "a sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum" as he lambasted the "cowardly arson attack". Following the incident, Met Police deputy assistant commissioner Vicki Evans confirmed that Counter Terrorism Policing are leading all of the investigations into the string of incidents in recent weeks. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say She said: "Similar in nature, they have been arsons targeting Israeli and Jewish linked premises in London. "Most have been claimed online by the group Ashab al-Yamin. This same group has claimed several incidents over recent months across Europe. "I have spoken previously about the Iranian regime's use of criminal proxies - and we are considering whether this tactic is being used here. "This is recruiting violence as a service, and the people who conduct that violence often have little or no allegiance to the cause, and are taking quick cash for their crimes." Meanwhile, deputy commissioner Matt Jukes urged people of "all faiths" to call out the rising levels of antisemitism across Britain. He issued a warning to the "thugs for hire" allegedly behind the incidents, saying there were playing a "mug's game" and can expect to be slapped with "long prison sentences". In the early hours of Saturday morning, an officer - who was deployed as part of an additional cohort of protection to Jewish sites - raised the alarm. It is believed the place of worship's front window had been smashed in my one individual, while another through a firebomb through it. ANTISEMITISM - READ MORE: London synagogue targeted in attempted firebomb attack just weeks after Jewish ambulances torched Kanye West breaks silence after Wireless backlash as he calls to meet Jewish community School that blocked Jewish MP sacks diversity leader over ‘heroes’ Hamas remarks A video - believed to be showcasing the attack - was posted online shortly after, with a group called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI) claiming responsibility. The group also said it was behind an arson attack on the former premises of Jewish Futures, a charity based in Hendon, north London. The Golders Green ambulance attack - which saw four vehicles belonging to the Jewish community torched - was also claimed by the group online. Police suspect that HAYI may have ties to Iranian intelligence services. The group's emblem features an arm brandishing an assault rifle, alongside messages in Arabic, English, and Hebrew. After the most recent incident, HAYI posted on social media: "Kenton United Synagogue in London is one of the centers of Zionist influence in the British capital." They went on to brand the synagogue's rabbi and its chairwoman "key instruments of this Zionist base in London". Sir Keir Starmer said he was "appalled" by the "abhorrent" string of attacks in recent weeks, adding: "It will not be tolerated." Meanwhile, Rabbi Yehuda Black - who has given over two decades of service to the synagogue - said: "It's a terrible thing – but we shouldn't be detracted from standing up as Jewish, in the face of evil." Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
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