Two arrested in connection with former synagogue attack

Two arrests have been made by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London investigating an arson attack at a former synagogue in east London.

A man aged 45 and a woman aged 52 were arrested on Sunday, 10 May on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson and have been taken into police custody.

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, E1, 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. No one was injured.

CCTV enquiries indicated that the fire was started intentionally at around 05:10hrs. Given the nature and location of the incident, the investigation has been led by Counter Terrorism Policing London.

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of CTP London, which is leading the investigation, said: “Today’s arrests are a significant step in our investigation into this attack and our enquiries are ongoing.

“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.

“While counter-terrorism officers continue to work closely with Metropolitan Police colleagues to provide protective security advice and support to various organisations, community venues and businesses, everyone can play their part to keep themselves and their communities safe.

“If you have concerns about someone behaving suspiciously, please report it to us. Your information could help us save lives.”

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.

“Our work to engage with and reassure all communities affected by recent events continues, and as always we want to hear of any fears or concerns so we can address them.

“I want to reiterate that no hate crime, no matter who it is against, will be tolerated. It is completely unacceptable and has no place here.”

The Metropolitan Police announced this week a new dedicated Community Protection Team of 100 extra officers that will provide a more visible, intelligence‑led and coordinated presence focused on protecting Jewish communities across London.

The new team brings together neighbourhood policing, specialist protection and counter terrorism capabilities to create a more sustainable and consistent model of community protection built around local knowledge, visibility and partnership. Deployments continue of officers from Project Servator, who are specially trained to spot individuals who may be planning or preparing to commit criminal acts.

Following the attack on the Hatzola Ambulances in March and a number of other arson attacks and incidents, there have now been a total of 33 people arrested as part of the various CTP investigations connected to these.

Of those, eight people have been charged with offences, including a 17-year-old boy who has pleaded guilty to committing arson following an attack on Kenton United Synagogue in Shaftsbury Avenue, Harrow on Saturday, 18 April.