Two people after been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson following an incident at a former synagogue in east London on May 5
Counter-terrorism officers probing an alleged arson attack at a former synagogue in east London have made two arrests.
A 45-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson and have been taken into police custody.
Police were called at around 5.15am on May 5 by the London Fire Brigade to reports of a fire at a former synagogue in Nelson Street, Tower Hamlets.
“CCTV enquiries indicated that the fire was started intentionally at around 05:10hrs,” the Metropolitan Police said. “Given the nature and location of the incident, the investigation has been led by Counter Terrorism Policing [CTP] London.”
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of CTP London, 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.”
She urged anyone with concerns about suspicious behaviour to report it to police.
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.”
He added: “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 said that following the alleged attack on Hatzola Ambulance in March and a number of other incidents, a total of 33 people have been arrested as part of various CTP investigations.
Of those, eight people have been charged with offences, including a 17-year-old boy who has pleaded guilty to arson following an attack on Kenton United Synagogue in Shaftsbury Avenue, Harrow, on April 18.
