A 45-year-old man has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life following an alleged attack on a former synagogue in east London. Moses Edwards, from Wanstead, is accused of setting fire to the building on Nelson Street in Whitechapel on May 5.
The property, which previously served as the East London Central Synagogue, is currently in the process of being sold to a Muslim organisation. The new owners plan to convert the historic building into a mosque and community centre.
Police were called to the scene shortly after 5am and found minor damage to the gates and a lock at the front of the property. No injuries were reported.
Edwards was scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. A 52-year-old woman who was also arrested in connection with the incident has been released on bail until August.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for the alleged arson.
