New arrest made after swastikas spray-painted near North London synagogue

The Metropolitan Police Service released a statement yesterday in which they said that a man in his early 40s has been arrested in relation to a series of swastikas spray-painted near a North London synagogue and the surrounding area on Saturday.

Police have said that at this time that they are not looking for any other individuals in connection with the vandalism.

A 16-year-old boy was initially detained soon after 20:00 on Saturday by officers responding to reports received only 20 minutes earlier of a male seen spraying swastikas on walls near Belsize Square Synagogue. A police statement said that they have subsequently found numerous swastikas sprayed on walls in the surrounding area and that they are investigating whether the same suspect is responsible.

However, it was announced earlier this week that the teenager had been released without charge and was ruled out of the investigation. 

It was also reported to Campaign Against Antisemitism that sightings of similar swastikas have occurred on Fairfax Road and Daleham Gardens.