Counter-terror police are investigating a fire that erupted at a former synagogue in Tower Hamlets, east London, early Tuesday morning, which they believe was started deliberately, the Metropolitan Police said.
Incident Details
Fire crews were called to the building on Nelson Street, Whitechapel, in the early hours of Tuesday, according to Jewish security charity Shomrim. The Metropolitan Police said officers were alerted just before 5:15 a.m. by the London Fire Brigade, and minor damage was caused to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the building. CCTV footage showed the fire had been started intentionally minutes earlier, the force added.
Investigation
The incident is being investigated alongside a number of apparent attacks on Jewish sites in London since late March. The Metropolitan Police stated: "Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London are investigating a further arson incident at a former synagogue in east London. Officers were called at 05:16 hrs on Tuesday, 5 May by the London Fire Brigade to reports of a fire at a former synagogue in Nelson Street, Tower Hamlets. Officers were quickly on scene with firefighters. Minor damage was caused to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the building and no reports of any persons injured. Initial CCTV enquiries indicate that the fire was started intentionally at approximately 05:10 hrs and the incident is being treated as arson. Given the nature of the incident and the location being a former synagogue, the incident is being investigated by Counter Terrorism Policing London. There have been no arrests at this time."
This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
