Metropolitan Police have launched a manhunt after seven Jewish premises in Barnet, north London, were targeted in a series of attacks described by officers as religiously motivated criminal damage.
Police said they believe the same suspect is likely responsible for all seven offences, which included a substance being smeared on synagogues and liquids being thrown at a school and over a car. The force has released CCTV stills of a man it wishes to speak to in connection with the incidents and said enquiries are under way.
Detective Superintendent Katie Harber, who is leading the inquiry for the Met’s North West Command, called the acts "revolting and appalling" and urged the public to come forward with information. "Police and local partners continue to carry out extensive CCTV inquiries which have established the same suspect is likely responsible for all seven offences," she said. "Detectives and neighbourhood officers are working at pace to identify them. We are very aware of how distressing these offences have been for those who have been targeted. We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour."
Officers were first called following a report of criminal damage at a synagogue on the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 3. Further reports were received of similar offences in the early hours of Thursday, Sept. 4, at a private property and on Sunday, Sept. 7, at another synagogue. A liquid was reported thrown at a school at about 2 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 8. Police said a substance had been smeared on two further synagogues on Tuesday, Sept. 2, and overnight on Thursday, Sept. 11. Inquiries linked a seventh incident on Friday, Aug. 15, when a liquid was thrown over a car connected to a fifth synagogue.
A spokesperson for the Community Security Trust, which supports and protects British Jews, said the attacks in and around Golders Green were "utterly abhorrent and deeply distressing." The CST said it was working closely with police and communal partners to support victims and to help identify and apprehend the suspect. The charity urged anyone with information to contact CST, the police or local volunteer patrols immediately.
The Met said no arrests had been made. Officers said they were engaging with the local community to provide reassurance and support and encouraged anyone with concerns to speak to police. Members of the public with information were asked to contact the police on 101, quoting reference 1071/03SEP, or to provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Detective officers continue to review CCTV and other lines of inquiry as the investigation proceeds. The force said enquiries remain ongoing and that neighbourhood teams were working alongside partners to protect targeted sites and vulnerable locations in the area.