Fire attack on synagogue

Police have appealed for witnesses

The justice minister has condemned a failed firebomb attack on a synagogue in Edinburgh.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident at the Synagogue of the Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation in Salisbury Road on Thursday morning.

A canister with flammable liquid which was placed on the steps of the synagogue failed to catch light but a window was broken.

Justice Minister Jim Wallace said: "Fireraising on its own is bad enough but I think it's particularly sensitive and particularly to be deplored when it's on a site of worship."

Jim Wallace: Deplored the attack

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: "This has been a nasty act of vandalism to a community who enjoys a very peaceful existence within a multi-cultural capital city.

"Anyone with information about the incident or who may have seen any person acting suspiciously in the area is encouraged to contact police."

A spokeswoman for the Community Security Trust, an organisation which deals with security issues in Jewish communities, has described the attack as "mindless".

She said the incident was the 200th reported attack on the Jewish community in the UK so far this year and the first in Edinburgh.

"This is the latest in a series of incidents outside synagogues in the UK," said the spokeswoman.

"The Jewish community in most parts of Scotland, including Edinburgh, enjoy excellent relations with other faiths and groups.

"This attack was mindless and these sort of actions totally unacceptable."