A synagogue in west London was attacked just after 700 people had left a service to mark the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. The incident occurred at the Lauderdale Road Synagogue in Maida Vale, a historic building protected as a Grade II listed site. A group of individuals reportedly launched fireworks at the building on Sunday, prompting an investigation by the Metropolitan Police. Five suspects, described as wearing hoodies, are believed to have been involved. Staff at the synagogue said they saw two fireworks being aimed at the building during the afternoon. An employee of the synagogue told Metro that hundreds of people had attended a service to mark the second day of Rosh Hashanah shortly before the attack. He described the suspects as young teens who fled the scene after launching the fireworks. He noted that the attack occurred during the middle of the day, when the synagogue is heavily monitored by CCTV. The employee said the fireworks could have caused a fire or serious damage, and that the loud noise frightened many people. He added that the synagogue plans to increase security measures, especially on important Jewish holidays. Locals near the synagogue reported hearing a "massive bang" from one of the fireworks before the suspects ran away. Attendees expressed concern over the "brazen" nature of the attack, which took place on a significant religious day. A mother of two told Metro that the attack was designed to intimidate the Jewish community. She expressed worry about the influence on young people if the suspects were indeed teenagers. The police confirmed that they were called to the scene at 15.56 hours on Sunday, 13 September, after reports of fireworks being fired at the synagogue in Ashworth Road, Westminster. Officers arrived but the suspects had already fled. No injuries were reported, and no arrests have been made. The Metropolitan Police said that investigations, including reviewing CCTV footage, are ongoing. Additional patrols have been increased to ensure the safety of the Jewish community during this important religious period. The Community Safety Trust (CST), an organization that advises the Jewish community on security matters, confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the attack. CST noted that the fireworks were launched outside of services and that no one was injured. However, they emphasized that the incident is serious and has caused concern within the community. CST is working closely with the police to investigate the full circumstances of the attack. They urged anyone with information to contact the police or Crimestoppers anonymously. The CST has recorded a significant rise in antisemitic incidents in the UK, with 1,926 reported nationwide during the first six months of 2026—a 21% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The organization encourages anyone with information about the attack to come forward to help with the investigation.