Two buildings have had red paint thrown over them - and both incidents are being treated as antisemitic hate crimes by the police.

The Jewish National Fund charity's office in Church Street, Hendon, and Hillsdown House in High Street, Hampstead - the registered address of the Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre (BICOM) - both had paint thrown on them yesterday morning (November 2).

The Metropolitan Police are treating the vandalism to these properties as hate crimes.

An investigation is underway for both incidents, including collecting CCTV from the area outside the buildings.

Camden police said specialist forensic officers will be attending Hillsdown House, while Barnet police said their investigation of the incident in Church Street includes interviewing witnesses.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley reassured that the vandalism will be "robustly investigated".

He said: "I know that incidents like this cause significant concern in the community.

"We have been clear that we have zero tolerance for hate crime."

A group called Palestine Action appears to have claimed responsibility for the vandalism, posting photos on X of both buildings covered in red paint.

The photos also show the windows smashed in multiple places at Hillsdown House.

The group said this action was to mark Balfour Day - simultaneously a Jewish day of celebration and a Palestinian day of mourning for the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which supported the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine.

BICOM said in a post on X that it is "appalled" by the "attacks" on its registered office at Hillsdown House and on other Jewish charities in north London.

The organisation said: "These cowardly, violent acts of domestic terrorism do nothing to support the situation in the Middle East; and only threaten and endanger British citizens.

"BICOM remains committed, now more than ever, to its mission of creating a better understanding of the complexities of the situation between Israel, the Palestinians and the wider region."

MP for Hampstead and Highgate Tulip Siddiq condemned the incidents as "appalling".

In a post on X she said: "I know many of my Jewish constituents are distressed after the appalling vandalism we saw in Hampstead and the handling of recent incidents locally.

"I’m in constant contact with the police and others to raise concerns and ensure there’s no tolerance of hate crime in our area."