Nine Arrested in Probe into Arson Attacks Targeting Jewish Sites in London

Counter-terrorism police arrested a 19-year-old man and a 26-year-old man in Watford on April 22, 2026, in connection with an alleged conspiracy to commit arson at a site connected to the Jewish community. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the two remain in custody. These detentions follow arrests over the past three days, bringing the total number of individuals arrested to nine.

Seven of those arrested have been released on strict bail conditions, according to the Metropolitan Police. Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator of Counter Terrorism Policing, stated that authorities are continuing to identify and arrest suspects believed to be involved in or planning recent arson attacks in north-west London.

Three men aged 24, 25, and 26 were arrested in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, on April 19, 2026. Later that day, a 26-year-old man and two women aged 50 and 59 were arrested in a car near Birmingham.

A 39-year-old man was arrested on April 21, 2026, under the Terrorism Act. He remains in custody, with police obtaining a warrant allowing his detention until April 28, 2026. Counter-terrorism officers have arrested a total of 25 people in connection with these incidents.

A series of arson attacks have occurred across London since late March 2026. These incidents targeted Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green. Arson attacks also struck two synagogues and a former Jewish charity.

Another incident involved a drone flown near the Israeli embassy. Jars containing a non-hazardous substance were found in Kensington Gardens on April 17, 2026. An ongoing investigation examines the event in Kensington Gardens on April 17, 2026.