Two individuals have been taken into custody by counter-terrorism officers investigating an arson attack at a former synagogue in east London. A 45-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson and are currently in police custody.
Details of the Incident
Police and firefighters responded to a fire at 5:16 am on Tuesday at the former East London Central Synagogue in Whitechapel. The blaze caused minor damage to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the building. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The Metropolitan Police stated that initial CCTV footage indicated the fire was deliberately started.
Context of the Attack
The former synagogue was in the process of being sold to a local Somali Muslim organisation at the time of the incident. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of counter-terrorism policing London, described the arrests as a significant step in the ongoing investigation. She emphasized that authorities are determined to arrest and charge all those responsible for arson attacks and other incidents targeting Jewish, Israeli, and Iranian sites in recent weeks. Flanagan condemned these hateful acts and reaffirmed the commitment to protecting communities.
Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter, who leads policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, noted that the attack occurred at a synagogue being sold to a Somali Muslim group. He acknowledged that people of all faiths in the local area have felt targeted and have united in condemning the horrendous act. Richter stressed the importance of engaging with and reassuring affected communities, encouraging anyone with fears or concerns to come forward.
Broader Police Response
The Met Police recently announced the formation of a dedicated community protection team comprising 100 extra officers. This team will provide a more visible, intelligence-led, and coordinated presence focused on safeguarding Jewish communities across London. Since the attack on ambulances operated by the Jewish volunteer group Hatzola in March and several other arson incidents, a total of 33 individuals have been arrested as part of counter-terrorism investigations. Of these, eight have been charged.
