Counter-terrorism officers have arrested two people in connection with an arson attack on a former synagogue in Whitechapel, east London. A 45-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman were detained on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson and remain in police custody.
The fire broke out at the former East London Central Synagogue at 5.16am on Tuesday. Minor damage was caused to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the building, and no injuries were reported. The Metropolitan Police said initial CCTV footage indicated the fire was started deliberately.
The former synagogue was in the process of being sold to a local Somali Muslim organisation. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of counter-terrorism policing London, described the arrests as a significant step in the investigation. She said: 'Our aim continues to arrest and charge all those responsible for the arson attacks and other incidents targeted at Jewish, Israeli and Iranian sites in recent weeks. We will not tolerate these hateful attacks on communities.'
Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter, who leads policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: 'This attack happened at a synagogue in the process of being sold to a local Somali Muslim organisation, and I know that those of all faiths in the local area have felt targeted and together condemn this horrendous act.'
The Met has announced a new dedicated community protection team of 100 extra officers to provide a more visible, intelligence-led presence focused on protecting Jewish communities across London. A total of 33 people have been arrested as part of counter-terrorism investigations connected to recent attacks, including an attack on ambulances operated by the Jewish volunteer group Hatzola in March. Of those, eight have been charged.
