Another attempted arson attack has taken place at a north-west London synagogue, which was reportedly “firebombed,” amid a series of similar incidents. The incident at Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow on Saturday night caused minor smoke damage to an internal room but no injuries or significant structural damage, the Community Security Trust said.

The building is close to a school and children’s playground, and police were seen searching a black SUV nearby on Sunday morning. A large cordon is in place and a forensics officer, fire investigation dogs and several plainclothes officers were working at the scene. One marked and about five unmarked police cars were outside the place of worship.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “We are aware of another attempted arson, this time targeting a synagogue in north London, following similar recent incidents targeting the Jewish community in Finchley, Golders Green and Hendon.

“On this occasion there was minor smoke damage to an internal room, but there were no injuries and no significant structural damage.

“We want to thank the Met Police and London Fire Brigade for responding quickly and for all they are doing to protect the Jewish community during this unprecedented period.

“We are supporting the affected location and are working closely with the police as they investigate and seek to identify those responsible.

“We urge people to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity, at any time of day or night, to the police immediately on 999 and then to CST.”

A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson said: “Last night, another Jewish synagogue in London was firebombed, this time in Kenton.

“Thankfully, the damage was limited.”

Several incidents involving arson or attempted arson targeting Jewish property have been reported in the area over the past month.

On Friday, counter-terrorism police began leading an investigation into an arson attack on a business in Hendon, north-west London, the Metropolitan Police said.

Officers were called to the scene at 10.31pm, and fire crews also attended. A man was seen to approach a row of shops with a plastic bag containing what was later found to be three bottles containing fluid, said the force.

He placed the bag next to the building and lit the items in the bag. However, when the bottles failed to fully ignite, he fled the scene, police said.

The Met has now increased resources following a series of arson and attempted arson attacks in north west London, as the investigation into the incidents continues.

Communities can expect to see a significantly increased number of officers in and around the area tonight and over the weekend, with measures implemented to help prevent and deter crime, the force says.

Armed response vehicles and Counter Terrorism Policing resources have also been deployed to the area to support the increased local policing plan. Police motorbikes and interceptors will also be in and around communities to bolster efforts.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, said: “Keeping our communities safe remains our top priority, and we are doing everything we can to step up resourcing to prevent and deter criminality.

“We recognise the feeling of concern among local people and do not underestimate the impact of incidents of this nature – particularly our Jewish communities.

“We continue to work with our colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing who are leading the investigations into all of these incidents due to the similar circumstances and online claims of responsibility. We and Counter Terrorism Policing have officers working continuously to support this investigation and our communities.

“I want to thank local partners, including the Community Security Trust, for their support. We will keep speaking to representatives from across our community and remain steadfast in our commitment to tackling antisemitism and hatred in all its forms. Everyone should be able to live peacefully and without fear.”