Counter Terrorism Police investigating arson at former synagogue

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London are investigating a further arson incident at a former synagogue in east London.

Police were called at 05:16hrs 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 05:10hrs 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.

Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who leads policing in the area, said:

"We are taking this incident extremely seriously and we will be working closely with colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing to support the investigation. The building targeted has not been operational as a synagogue for some years but that will be of little comfort to the Jewish community in Tower Hamlets, Hackney and beyond, who are first in my thoughts this morning.

“Local residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while enquiries into this incident continue.”

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of CTP London, which is leading the investigation said: “This incident follows on from a number of arsons and attempted arsons targeting Jewish Londoners in the north west of the city and we will be considering any potential links as their investigation gets underway.

“Detectives are already working quickly to gather evidence and identify those responsible and I would urge anyone with CCTV or information that could assist detectives to contact police.

“Counter-terrorism officers continue to work closely with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police in response to the various incidents. We’re providing protective security advice and support to various organisations, community venues and businesses.

“With the threat level now raised to severe, everyone can play their part to keep themselves and their communities safe. If you see or hear anything that doesn’t look or feel right, then please report it to us. Your information could help us save lives.”

Anyone with information about this morning’s arson is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference CAD 1000/5MAY.

Since the arson attack in Golders Green in March, the Met Police has launched the most intensive set of community operations it has ever run.

We have deployed thousands of additional officer shifts to protect Londoners and reassure communities affected by these incidents. This includes armed police patrols as well as deployments of officers from Project Servator, who are specially trained to spot individuals who may be planning or preparing to commit criminal acts.