The torah scrolls of a north London synagogue were desecrated and the building vandalized after unknown parties broke in during the early hours of Friday morning, according to British media reports and the Metropolitan police.
Vandals smashed the cabinets containing the religious texts of Gur Synagogue, and tore the books, scattering the pages across the floor.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed: “An investigation has been launched after a reported burglary in Lampard Grove, N16.
“Police were alerted at 07:08hrs on Friday, 20 June. Officers remain on scene with the address cordoned off while forensic enquiries continue.
“No arrests have been made at this stage. If you have any information, please contact the Met via 101, quoting 1469/20JUN.”
Jewish community responds after London synagogue vandalized
Police told Jewish News that there was no indication that the vandalism was antisemitic.
Efforts are still being made to understand if anything was taken during the break-in.
The Jewish Community Council of Stamford Hill condemned the incident in a statement posted to social media: “This is a devastating attack on a synagogue in our community. Any attack on a place of worship, of any kind, must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. We are pleased to hear that suspects have been arrested, thanks to the swift actions of Shomrim and Hackney Police.”
The Community Security Trust also shared on X: “We are aware of the appalling act of vandalism which has caused significant damage to a synagogue in Stamford Hill. We are in touch with the location and are providing support. We urge anyone with information to contact CST and the police as a matter of urgency
“Thank you to @MPSHackney for their swift action in arresting two individuals. At this stage, the incident is not being treated as a hate crime.”