Two arrested by UK counter-terror police for arson at former East London synagogue

Counter-terrorism police arrested a 45-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson in connection with a fire at the former East London Central Synagogue in Whitechapel, the Metropolitan Police said.

The fire was reported at 5:16 a.m. on Tuesday. Police and firefighters attended the scene, where minor damage was caused to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the building. No one was injured. Initial CCTV footage indicated the fire was started deliberately, the Met said.

The former synagogue was in the process of being sold to a local Somali Muslim organisation.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of counter-terrorism policing London, said: "Today's arrests are a significant step in our investigation into this attack and our inquiries are ongoing." She added: "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."

Det Supt 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."

The Met said a total of 33 people have been arrested as part of counter-terrorism investigations connected to arson attacks and incidents targeting Jewish, Israeli and Iranian sites. Of those arrested, eight people have been charged.