Counter-terrorism police have arrested two individuals following an arson attack at a former synagogue in east London, marking a significant development in the investigation into a series of apparent attacks on Jewish sites in the capital.
Arrests Made in Connection with Whitechapel Fire
A 45-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson. They have been taken into police custody, the Metropolitan Police confirmed. The arrests come after a fire was reported at a building in Nelson Street, Whitechapel, in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, stated: "Today's arrests are a significant step in our investigation into this attack and our inquiries 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."
Details of the Incident
Officers were called at 5:16 am by the London Fire Brigade to reports of a fire at the former synagogue. Minor damage was caused to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the building. CCTV footage showed the fire had been started deliberately minutes before the call, prompting counter-terrorism police to take over the investigation.
Ms Flanagan added: "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. If you have concerns about someone behaving suspiciously, please report it to us. Your information could help us save lives."
Context of the Attack
The former synagogue in Whitechapel was due to be sold at auction earlier this year, with a separate bid by a Muslim group to buy the building and convert it into a mosque and community centre. 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. Our work to engage with and reassure all communities affected by recent events continues, and as always we want to hear of any fears or concerns so we can address them. 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."
Broader Police Response
The Metropolitan Police announced on Wednesday the creation of a community protection team of 100 extra officers to help safeguard the Jewish community. In its initial phase, the team will be "primarily focused on protecting the Jewish community, which faces some of the highest levels of hate crime alongside significant terrorist and hostile state threats," the Met said. They added it would bring together "neighbourhood policing, specialist protection and counter-terrorism capabilities" to provide a "more visible, intelligence-led and co-ordinated presence focused on protecting Jewish communities across London."
Following an arson attack on Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green in March, as well as a number of other arson attacks and incidents, 33 people have been arrested as part of various counter-terrorism police investigations, according to the Met. Among those 33, eight people have been charged – including a 17-year-old boy who has pleaded guilty to committing arson following an attack on Kenton United Synagogue in Shaftsbury Avenue, Harrow, on April 18.
