Detectives from the Metropolitan police’s counter-terrorism command are investigating a suspected arson attack on a former synagogue in east London, the latest in a wave of similar incidents targeting Jewish sites across the capital.
Police were called to reports of a fire at the disused synagogue earlier the same day, a statement said. Officers confirmed that minor damage had been caused to the gates and lock at the entrance to the building. No injuries have been reported.
The attack comes after a series of other incidents involving Jewish properties in London. On April 19, the Kenton United Synagogue in north London became the latest target of an arson attempt on Jewish sites in the British capital over recent weeks. According to a statement, the synagogue sustained minor smoke damage to an internal room, but no one was hurt and there was no significant structural damage.
The London police arrested two suspects on April 20 as they tried to set fire to the Kenton United Synagogue in the north of the city. Investigators are examining possible links between these acts and the conflict in the Middle East.
On April 21, one of the suspects was charged in connection with the north London synagogue arson. His alleged accomplice, aged 19, was released on bail pending further inquiries.
