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Counter-terrorism police have arrested two people in connection with an arson attack targeting a former synagogue in east London.
A 45-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman were taken into custody on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson following an investigation into the fire at the former East London Central Synagogue in Whitechapel.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 5am on Tuesday after flames damaged the front gates and lock of the building. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported, while early CCTV evidence suggested the blaze had been deliberately started.
The former synagogue was reportedly being sold to a local Somali Muslim community organisation at the time of the attack, raising concerns among local residents and faith groups.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, described the arrests as a major development in the ongoing investigation. She said officers remain committed to identifying and prosecuting everyone linked to recent attacks targeting Jewish, Israeli, and Iranian-related sites across the capital.
Local policing officials also stressed that the incident had deeply affected communities of different faiths in the area. Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter said residents from across Whitechapel and surrounding boroughs had united in condemning the attack, adding that police would continue working closely with community leaders to address fears and provide reassurance.
The Metropolitan Police recently introduced a dedicated protection unit made up of 100 additional officers tasked with strengthening security around Jewish communities in London. The move follows several recent incidents, including arson attacks and assaults on ambulances operated by the Jewish volunteer organisation Hatzola.
Police confirmed that counter-terrorism investigations linked to these incidents have so far resulted in 33 arrests, with eight individuals already charged.
