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Third arrest over arson attack at former synagogue

PA Media A close-up of a red brick building featuring an arched entrance with a Star of David and the years 1923 and 5684 inscribed above the door. A blue sign for the "East London Central Synagogue" is mounted on the wall. To the right of the entrance is a tall, padlocked metal gate topped with a weathered blue gabled roof.PA Media
The building ceased operating as a synagogue in 2020

A third person has been arrested by counter-terrorism police investigating an arson attack at a former synagogue in east London.

Minor damage was caused to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the former East London Central Synagogue building in Whitechapel on 12 May. No-one was injured.

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

A 31-year-old man was arrested at an address in Leyton, east London, on Tuesday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody.

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

Because of the nature and location of the incident, the investigation has been led by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London, the force added.

The building is in the process of being sold to a local Somali Muslim organisation.

PA Media Two forensic investigators wearing light blue protective suits, face masks, and blue hairnets stand on a pavement behind blue and white police cordon tape. Blue road barriers are visible in the background.PA Media
Counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation, the Met says

Two other people were arrested on Sunday in connection with the investigation.

Moses Edwards, 45, of Wanstead, has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at the Old Bailey on 5 June.

A 52-year-old woman who was also arrested has been released on bail until August.

Cdr Helen Flanagan, head of counter terrorism policing in London, said officers were "working at pace" to arrest everyone suspected of involvement in the attack.

She asked the public to remain vigilant following the recent increase in the UK terror threat level to severe.

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

Flanagan added that counter-terrorism officers continued to work closely with the Metropolitan Police to provide protective security advice and support to organisations, community venues and businesses.

A map of East London showing the location of the Former East London Central Synagogue in Whitechapel. The map highlights nearby landmarks including the Tower of London to the southwest and the Aldgate East and Whitechapel Underground stations. An inset map in the top right corner shows the location's position within Greater London.
The building used to be a synagogue but is in the process of being sold to a local Somali organisation

Since late March there have been a series of arson attacks at Jewish sites in London, as well as a double stabbing in Golders Green that is being treated by police as an act of terrorism.

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