Man accused of ex-synagogue arson attack remanded

A man accused of carrying out an arson attack at a former synagogue in east London has appeared in court.

Moses Edwards, 45, of Wanstead, has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life after the East London Central Synagogue building in Whitechapel was targeted on 5 May.

At Westminster Magistrates' Court, he was remanded in custody until a further hearing next month. He gave no indication of any plea.

Police and the London Fire Brigade were called to the scene at about 05:15 BST. The fire caused minor damage to a gate and lock at the front of the building. No injuries were reported.

According to police, the site is in the process of being sold to a local Somali Muslim organisation, Ashaadibi Education and Cultural Centre, which has condemned the alleged arson attack.

A 52-year-old woman was arrested on Sunday as part of the investigation, which is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London.

She was released on bail until a date in August.

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