Counter-terror police are investigating an arson attack at a former synagogue in Tower Hamlets, east London, the Metropolitan Police confirmed on Tuesday.
Incident Details
The fire occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning, causing minor damage to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the building. There were no reports of injuries, according to police.
The building, which previously served as a synagogue, is located in a residential area of Tower Hamlets. Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command have taken over the investigation due to the nature of the target.
Recent Pattern of Attacks
This arson is the latest in a series of incidents at sites linked to the Jewish community across London over the past few months. Police have not yet confirmed whether the attack is being treated as a hate crime, but the involvement of counter-terror units suggests a potential link to extremism.
Local community leaders have expressed concern over the rising number of such incidents. A spokesperson for the Jewish community in east London said, "We are deeply troubled by this attack and urge the authorities to bring those responsible to justice."
The Metropolitan Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. Detective Chief Inspector Sam Blackburn, leading the investigation, stated, "We are working diligently to establish the full circumstances and identify the suspects. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity."
This is a breaking news story, and more details are expected to follow as the investigation progresses.
