A 17-year-old boy from Brent has pleaded guilty to arson not endangering life in connection with an attack on Kenton United Synagogue, marking the first conviction in a recent wave of arson attacks targeting Jewish sites in London. The fire, which caused smoke damage to the synagogue’s interior, is part of a broader series of incidents that have alarmed authorities and local communities. The teenager has been released on strict bail conditions until his next court appearance in June.

Police have made multiple arrests as part of their wider investigation into attacks on Jewish, Israeli, and Iranian-linked locations. Since an earlier arson that destroyed four volunteer emergency service ambulances in Golders Green, 23 people have been arrested and eight charged. Authorities also said they disrupted a suspected conspiracy involving seven individuals believed to be planning another attack.

Recent incidents include attempted fire-bombings at Finchley Reform Synagogue, the office of Iran International, and a former Jewish community building. In several cases, accelerants were used but the fires either failed to ignite fully or caused only minor damage. Jars containing a non-hazardous substance were also discovered near the Israeli embassy. A group believed to be an Iranian front organization has claimed responsibility for many of the attacks.