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Counter-terrorism police have arrested a man and a woman in connection with a suspected arson attack on a former synagogue located in East London. The incident involved minor damage to gates and a lock at the front entrance of the East London Central Synagogue building in Whitechapel, which ceased functioning as a synagogue in 2020. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the event.
The fire was reported early on Tuesday morning at 05:16 BST, with CCTV footage indicating the blaze was started deliberately. Following this, a 45-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman were taken into police custody on Sunday, suspected of conspiracy to commit arson. Due to the sensitive nature of the attack and its location, the investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing in London.
Commander Helen Flanagan, who oversees CTP London, described the arrests as a “significant step” forward in the inquiry. She emphasized the ongoing commitment to apprehend and charge all individuals responsible for the recent series of arson attacks and other violent incidents aimed at Jewish, Israeli, and Iranian sites. Flanagan expressed a strong stance against these acts of hatred, affirming the importance of community cooperation for safety while security teams continue to offer guidance and protection to affected organizations, venues, and businesses.
Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter, responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, highlighted that the synagogue building was in the process of being sold to a local Somali Muslim organization. He noted the shared condemnation of the attack across communities of all faiths in the area. Richter reaffirmed the police’s ongoing engagement with local groups to address fears and concerns, stating that hate crimes, regardless of their target, are wholly unacceptable and have no place in the community.
Recent weeks have seen a disturbing pattern of attacks on Jewish sites throughout London, including multiple arson attempts since late March and a double stabbing in Golders Green that police are treating as a terrorist act. The latest arrest follows this troubling trend, underscoring the heightened focus on protecting vulnerable communities from targeted violence
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