British police have opened a hate crime investigation after a fire was deliberately set at a Jewish-owned shop in Watford, a city 15 miles away from London, according to a Tuesday report by the BBC.

The incident took place Sunday afternoon, when officers responded to reports that a fire door had been set alight and graffiti sprayed on a building along Lower High Street between 4:15 p.m. and 4:20 p.m. local time.

Hertfordshire Police said they are seeking to identify a group of young men seen in the area at the time. Authorities emphasized that the case is being treated as an isolated incident and is not believed to be connected to recent arson attacks targeting the Jewish community in London.

Detective Superintendent Mark Clawson said, “Firstly, I would like to make it clear that we do not tolerate hate crime in our communities in Hertfordshire. I am keen to hear from any witnesses or anyone with information.”

He added, “In particular, I am especially keen to trace a group of young males who were seen in the area around the time of the incident. If you were one of these people, or think you know who they may be, please get in touch.”

Police are urging anyone with relevant mobile phone, dashcam, or doorbell footage to come forward.

The Watford incident comes amid a broader investigation into a string of arson attacks in London, some of which have targeted Jewish institutions, leading to multiple arrests.

Seven of the suspects were detained within the past 48 hours as part of what authorities described as a proactive effort to disrupt a planned arson attack. Counterterrorism officials said the intended target is believed to be linked to the Jewish community, though the exact location has not been disclosed.

All suspects are currently being held at a London police station.

Separately, on Tuesday morning, a 39-year-old man was arrested in Ealing in connection with an investigation into jars containing a non-hazardous substance discovered in Kensington Gardens.

London has experienced a significant rise in antisemitic incidents in recent years, alongside a wave of arson attacks targeting Jewish sites over the past several weeks.