A 37-year-old man was arrested on Friday in the Hendon area on suspicion of religiously motivated criminal damage after a series of antisemitic attacks on Jewish premises in Barnet, the Metropolitan Police said.
The force said officers linked seven separate incidents in the north London borough — including four synagogues, a private residence, a Jewish school and a vehicle associated with a synagogue — and believe the same person is likely responsible for all of them. The suspect was taken into custody as enquiries continue amid an increased police presence in Barnet.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams described the arrest as "a significant development" and said it followed "substantial CCTV enquiries by officers." Detective Superintendent Katie Harber of the Met's North West Command, who is leading the investigation, earlier condemned the incidents as "revolting and appalling acts."
Police said the incidents involved a substance being smeared on four synagogues and a private property, and a liquid being thrown towards a school and over a car in separate events. Officers said they believe the substance and liquid were bodily fluids.
Detectives were first called to a report of religiously motivated criminal damage relating to a synagogue on the morning of Sept. 3. Further reports included an offence at a private property in the early hours of Sept. 4 and another synagogue targeted on Sept. 7. Police also received reports that a liquid was thrown at a school at about 2 a.m. on Sept. 8, and that substances had been smeared on synagogues on Sept. 2 and overnight on Sept. 11. Officers linked a seventh incident that took place on Aug. 15, in which a liquid was thrown over a car connected to a fifth synagogue.
The Metropolitan Police said officers are maintaining close contact with the local Jewish community and are providing reassurance and support. A force spokesperson urged anyone with information to contact police by calling 101 and quoting reference 1071/03SEP, or to provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The Community Security Trust, a charity that advises and supports British Jews on security matters, called the attacks "utterly abhorrent and deeply distressing," saying the "extreme defilement of several Jewish locations in and around Golders Green" had caused alarm. The Campaign Against Antisemitism said the repeated incidents were "leaving British Jews anxious and vulnerable in their own neighbourhoods."
Barnet is home to one of London's largest Jewish communities, and police said they were increasing patrols in the area while the investigation continues. No charges have been filed and the suspect remains in custody while detectives carry out further enquiries.