An explosion outside a Jewish school in Buitenveldert in Amsterdam on Friday night caused limited damage, according to Dutch police.

Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema called it a “cowardly act of aggression towards the Jewish community” and part of an “unacceptable” rise in anti-semitism.

A statement from the mayor, head of police and chief prosecutor, sent at 7am on Saturday, said the “targeted attack” was apparently the effort of a single antagonist and that they are examining video images.

A photograph obtained by the Parool newspaper shows flames at an outside wall of the school, close to a drainpipe.

There was another explosion at a Belgian synagogue last Sunday night and one at a synagogue in Rotterdam on Thursday night, with no injuries and limited damage. Dutch police have arrested four young men from Tilburg in connection with the Rotterdam attack.

Amsterdam’s Jewish schools have been under heightened surveillance for some time. “A school should be a place where children can take their lessons in safety,” said Halsema in the statement. “Amsterdam must be a place where Jewish people can live safely.”

Prime minister Rob Jetten said he would meet members of the Jewish community shortly. “I understand the anger and fear,” he said. “They should always feel safe in our country.”

Police are trying to establish if there is a link between the two Dutch explosions.