Counter-terrorism Police Arrest Man, Woman in Suspected Arson at Former East London Synagogue

Counter-terrorism police arrested a man and a woman over a suspected arson attack at a former synagogue in east London.

The fire caused minor damage to gates and a lock at the front of the former East London Central Synagogue building in Whitechapel on Tuesday. No one was injured.

The incident follows a series of attacks and attempted attacks on the Jewish community in recent weeks.

The Metropolitan Police said officers arrested the 45-year-old man and 52-year-old woman on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson. Both remain in custody.

The fire was reported at 05:16 BST. CCTV inquiries indicated it was started intentionally, the Met said.

Counter Terrorism Policing London took charge of the investigation due to the nature and location of the incident.

A police statement 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."

It added: "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."

Det Supt 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," Richter said.

"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."

Since late March, London has seen a series of arson attacks at Jewish sites, along with a double stabbing in Golders Green that police are treating as terrorism.