British teen pleads guilty to arson attack on Kenton United Synagogue

A teenage boy has pleaded guilty to an arson attack on a synagogue claimed by an Iranian sleeper cell operating across Europe.

The 17-year-old British national from Brent, north-west London, who has not been named because of his age, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

He was accused of arson not endangering life.

A group that calls itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, that is suspected to be Iran-backed, has claimed responsibility for most of the incidents, along with other attacks in Europe, since March 9.

Footage was posted online of a figure in dark clothing setting light to a bottle of liquid and throwing it through a window at Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow late on Saturday.

Jewish charity the Community Security Trust said minor smoke damage to an internal room was caused but there were no injuries or significant structural damage.

A 19-year-old man who was also arrested after the attack has been released on bail pending further inquiries, the Metropolitan Police said.

The attack was the latest in a string of separate incidents that have targeted Jewish sites in London.

Four Jewish community ambulances were destroyed in an arson attack in Golders Green on March 23, and there have been further attacks at a synagogue in Finchley and a former Jewish charity building in Hendon.

Another incident saw a drone flown near the Israeli embassy in London.

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