Counter-terror police investigating suspected arson attack on former synagogue in Tower Hamlets

Counter-terror police have launched an investigation after a suspected arson attack took place at a former synagogue in Tower Hamlets overnight.

The London Fire Brigade were called to a fire on Nelson Street in the early hours of this morning.

Initial CCTV footage shows the fire may have been started deliberately.

Officers were called to the scene at 5.16am this morning alongside firefighters.

Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke said: "We are taking this incident extremely seriously and we will be working closely with colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing to support the investigation.

"The building targeted has not been operational as a synagogue for some years but that will be of little comfort to the Jewish community in Tower Hamlets, Hackney and beyond, who are first in my thoughts this morning.

"Local residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while enquiries into this incident continue."

Minor damage was caused to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the building, with no injuries being reported.

Head of Counter-terror police London, Commander Helen Flanagan, who is leading the investigation, added: "This incident follows on from a number of arsons and attempted arsons targeting Jewish Londoners in the north west of the city and we will be considering any potential links as their investigation gets underway.

"Detectives are already working quickly to gather evidence and identify those responsible and I would urge anyone with CCTV or information that could assist detectives to contact police.

"Counter-terrorism officers continue to work closely with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police in response to the various incidents.

"We’re providing protective security advice and support to various organisations, community venues and businesses.

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"With the threat level now raised to severe, everyone can play their part to keep themselves and their communities safe.

"If you see or hear anything that doesn’t look or feel right, then please report it to us. Your information could help us save lives."

The attack comes amid a series of targeted attacks against the Jewish community, with the investigation coming just a day after two people were arrested on suspicion of arson followin a blaze on a memorial wall in Golders Green.

Sir Keir Starmer spoke this morning to say that antisemitism in Britain "will not be tolerated".

At a roundtable in Downing Street, the Prime Minister stated: "Security is essential, but that is not enough. We must also deal with the forces that drive this hatred in the first place, so we’re confronting them directly.

"One of the lines of inquiry is whether a foreign state has been behind some of these incidents. We’re investigating, of course, all the possibilities and we’re clear that these actions will have consequences if that proves to be the case.

"Our message to Iran, or to any other country that might seek to foment violence, hatred or division in society, is that it will not be tolerated. That is why we passed legislation to tackle these malign threats.

"We’re clear-eyed about the fact that antisemitism does not have one source alone: Islamists, far left, far right extremism, all target Jewish communities.

"That is why this Government has put in place the first co-ordinated national plan to strengthen cohesion and confront extremism in all of its forms.”

A spokesman for London Fire Brigade said: "We were called at 05.11a, today (May 5) to reports of a fire at a disused synagogue on Nelson Street in Whitechapel.

"Firefighters extinguished a small fire affecting the exterior of the building. There were no reports of any injuries. The Brigade is investigating the cause of the fire alongside the Metropolitan Police."

Police have urged anyone with information to contact 101, and quote reference number CAD 1000/5MAY.

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