A synagogue in west London was attacked just after 700 people had left a service to mark the Jewish New Year.
Security is being tightened at Lauderdale Road Synagogue in Maida Vale after a group launched fireworks at the Grade II listed building on Sunday.
Five suspects in hoodies are thought to have been involved in the attack, which is now being investigated by the Metropolitan Police.
Staff at the synagogue described seeing two fireworks being aimed at the synagogue that afternoon.
A synagogue employee told Metro how hundreds of people had been at a service to mark the second day of Rosh Hashanah just before the firework attack.
He said: ‘There was a group of them – young teens, I would say. They ran off afterwards. It was the middle of the day and very risky for them, as we have loads of CCTV.
‘They launched the fireworks just after 700 people had been at the synagogue. It could have been much worse. The rockets could have caused a fire or something; it was very dangerous and is scary for our congregation.
‘One of the bangs was really loud and people have told me they were really frightened. We will be tightening security even further, especially on important days in the Jewish calendar.’
Meanwhile, locals near the place of worship described how one of the fireworks caused a ‘massive bang’ before the suspects were seen running from the scene.
People who attend the synagogue spoke of their fears over the ‘brazen’ attack.
A mother of two told Metro: ‘It was during the day and on an important day for the Jewish community.
‘It was a brazen attack, and one [designed] to intimidate. If these were young teenagers, then we have to worry about what they are learning and who from.’
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The synagogue is surrounded by CCTV cameras, meaning there is footage of the attack.
Police are also stepping up patrols around the synagogue.
A Met statement said: ‘At 15.56hrs on Sunday, 13 September, officers were called to reports of a group of suspects discharging fireworks at a synagogue in Ashworth Road, Westminster.
‘Officers attended the scene, but the suspects had left prior to police arrival. No injuries were reported. No arrests have been made and police enquiries, including CCTV analysis, are progressing at pace.
‘Additional patrols are in place to help ensure Jewish communities feel safe, protected and reassured during this important religious period.
‘The Met remains committed to protecting Jewish communities and ensuring people can celebrate and worship without fear of hate crime or intimidation.’
A spokesperson for the Community Safety Trust (CST), which advises the Jewish community on security, said: ‘We are aware of an incident in London over Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, in which a group of youths reportedly set off fireworks towards the synagogue premises.
‘This did not occur during services and we do not believe that anybody was hurt, but it is nonetheless a serious incident that will undoubtedly cause concern.
‘CST attended the scene and is in contact with the synagogue, and is working closely with the police to establish the full circumstances.
‘We urge anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information that may assist the investigation, to contact the police and CST.’
The CST recorded 1,926 antisemitic incidents nationwide during the first six months of 2026.
That represents a 21% increase on the same period last year.
Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 101 or to remain anonymous via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.