Counter-terror police probe arson attack at former east London synagogue

Counter-terrorism detectives have launched an investigation after a fire was deliberately started at a former synagogue in Tower Hamlets in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the latest in a string of incidents targeting Jewish sites across the capital.
The Metropolitan Police were alerted by the London Fire Brigade at 5.16am on 5 May to a blaze at the building on Nelson Street. Officers and firefighters arrived swiftly at the scene, where damage was confined to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the property. No injuries were reported.
According to the Met, initial CCTV enquiries indicate the fire was started intentionally at around 5.10am, and the matter is now being treated as arson. Given the location of the attack, the investigation has been handed to Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London. No arrests have yet been made.
Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who oversees policing in the area, acknowledged that the building had not functioned as a synagogue for some years but said this would offer little reassurance to those affected.
“We are taking this incident extremely seriously and we will be working closely with colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing to support the investigation,” she said. “The building targeted has not been operational as a synagogue for some years but that will be of little comfort to the Jewish community in Tower Hamlets, Hackney and beyond, who are first in my thoughts this morning.”
She confirmed that residents would notice a stepped-up police presence in the area while enquiries continue.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, said detectives would examine whether the latest fire was connected to a wider pattern of attacks. “This incident follows on from a number of arsons and attempted arsons targeting Jewish Londoners in the north west of the city and we will be considering any potential links as their investigation gets underway,” she said.
Commander Flanagan added that officers were working at pace to gather evidence and identify those responsible, urging anyone with CCTV footage or relevant information to come forward. Counter-terrorism teams, she said, were continuing to provide protective security advice to organisations, community venues and businesses across London.
With the national threat level recently raised to severe, she also appealed for public vigilance. “Everyone can play their part to keep themselves and their communities safe,” she said. “If you see or hear anything that doesn’t look or feel right, then please report it to us. Your information could help us save lives.”
The Tuesday morning attack comes against a backdrop of heightened concern following an arson at Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green in March. Since that incident, the Met has rolled out what it describes as the most intensive set of community operations in its history, with thousands of additional officer shifts deployed alongside armed patrols and specialist Project Servator teams trained to identify individuals who may be preparing to commit criminal acts.
Anyone with information about the Nelson Street fire is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference CAD 1000/5MAY.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​