Terror police investigate another arson attack at Synagogue

Counter-terror police are investigating an early morning arson attack at a former synagogue in East London.

The Metropolitan Police said there was minor damage caused in the attack on the former East London Central Synagogue, in Nelson Street, Tower Hamlets.

It comes after a string of arson attacks on Jewish community sites in the capital and in the wake of the stabbings of three men in Golders Green last week.

The Met said: ‘Counter Terrorism Policing London is investigating a further arson incident at a former synagogue in east London.

‘Police were called at 5.16am on Tuesday, May 5, by the London Fire Brigade to reports of a fire at a former synagogue in Nelson Street, Tower Hamlets.’

Officers said minor damage was caused to a set of gates and the building’s front locks, but no one was injured.

‘Initial CCTV enquiries indicate that the fire was started intentionally at approximately 5.10am and the incident is being treated as arson.’

The Met said that because the location was a former synagogue, Counter Terrorism Police are investigating the matter, but no arrests have been made yet.

Last week, the independent reviewer of terror and state threats for the UK government said antisemitism has become ‘a national security emergency’ after three people were stabbed in Golders Green.

CPS authorised three charges of attempted murder against suspect Essa Suleiman, who attacked a Muslim man and two Jewish men.

Jonathan Hall KC, the independent reviewer of terror and state threats for the government, said attacks on Jewish people have become ‘the biggest national security emergency’ since 2017.

In October, an attacker drove his car into pedestrians and worshippers at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester.

In March, an antisemitic firebomb attack on a volunteer service’s ambulances in Golders Green scared the community.

Four ambulances belonging to Hatzola Northwest’s fleet were firebombed in an antisemitic attack outside a Golders Green synagogue.

Adrian Daulby, 53, died from a single gunshot wound to the chest, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, died from multiple stab wounds inflicted by Jihad Al-Shamie.

There has also been a spate of attacks across London over the last few months, with state-sponsored groups suspected of being involved.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she is treating the attacks as an emergency.

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