17-year-old pleads guilty to arson attack on London synagogue

A 17-year-old British teenager has pleaded guilty to arson after throwing a bottle containing an accelerant through a window of the Kenton United Synagogue in north-west London on Saturday night.

The incident caused minor smoke damage but no injuries were reported.

The youth, from Brent, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday where he admitted to arson not endangering life.

He was released on bail with conditions including residing at his home and being prohibited from entering any synagogue.

The attack was claimed by a group suspected to be an Iran-backed sleeper cell operating across Europe, known as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia.

This group has been linked to a series of antisemitic arson attacks since early March.

Jewish charity the Community Security Trust confirmed the damage was limited to minor smoke effects inside an internal room, with no significant structural harm or injuries.

The teenager was flanked by security officers during the hearing and spoke only to confirm his identity and enter his plea.

Two family members, including his mother, were present in court.

A 19-year-old man arrested in connection with the attack has been released on bail pending further inquiries, according to the Metropolitan Police.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of antisemitic attacks in London, including arson targeting Jewish community ambulances, other synagogues, and a former Jewish charity.

Additionally, a drone was flown near the Israeli embassy in a separate event.

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