Counter terror police probe launched after former synagogue targeted in fresh ‘arson attack’ in London

A former synagogue in London has been hit by a suspected arson attack as counter-terrorism police launch an investigation following a series of similar incidents.

Officers were called by the London Fire Brigade at 5.16am today to reports of a fire at a former synagogue on Nelson Street in Tower Hamlets, east London.

While officers found minor damage to the door and lock at the front of the building, it was not reported whether there were any injuries.

Initial investigations of CCTV show that the fire was started deliberately at around 5.10am and the incident is being treated as arson. There were no arrests.

It comes after a series of attacks on Jewish community sites and the recent Golders Green stabbing, with Sir Keir Starmer hosting a summit on anti-Semitism today.

Det Chief Supt Brittany Clarke, who is leading policing efforts in the area, said: ‘We are taking this incident extremely seriously and will be working closely with our colleagues from the Counter Terrorism Police to support the investigation.

‘The targeted building has not been in operation as a synagogue for several years, but my first thought this morning is that it will be little comforting for the Jewish community in Tower Hamlets, Hackney and beyond.

‘As investigations into this incident continue, local residents can expect an increased police presence in the area.’

Commander Helen Flanagan, chair of CTP London, which is leading the investigation, said: ‘This incident follows a series of arson and attempted arson targeting Jewish Londoners in the north west of the city and we will consider possible links as the investigation continues.

‘Detectives are currently working quickly to gather evidence and identify those responsible and I would appeal to 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 against a range of incidents.

‘We provide protective security advice and support to a range of organisations, community venues and businesses.

‘With the threat level raised to serious, everyone can do their part to keep themselves and their communities safe. If you see or hear something that doesn’t look or feel right, please let us know. Your information could help us save lives.’

Anyone with information about this morning’s arson is asked to contact police on 101 CAD, quoting reference number 1000/5MAY.

The Met Police said it had launched its most intense community operations ever since the last arson attack in Golders Green, north London.

As well as a series of arson attacks on Jewish settlements in London, there was also a double stabbing in Golders Green, which was considered an act of terrorism.

Most of the attacks were claimed by a group called Hayi, which is suspected of being backed by Iran in an attempt to sow division in Britain.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will host a meeting of senior public figures on Tuesday to advance the UK’s response to antisemitism.

The Prime Minister has warned Iran that efforts to incite violence and hatred in the UK ‘will not be tolerated’ over suspicions that Iran is supporting antisemitic attacks.

Sir Keir told leaders of community groups, senior government ministers and police chiefs that there would be ‘consequences’ if Iran was found to be behind some of the incidents.

Describing the situation as a ‘crisis’ following the Golders Green attack, Sir Keir said new legislation would be introduced quickly to tackle ‘malicious threats’.

Last week’s stabbing in Golders Green was the latest in a series of attacks on Britain’s Jewish community, adding to concerns that antisemitism is on the rise.

Speaking in Downing Street, the Prime Minister said: ‘One of the topics of investigation is whether a foreign state is behind some of these events.

‘Of course we are exploring all possibilities. And if this proves to be the case, we are clear that these actions will have consequences.

‘Our message to Iran or any country that seeks to promote violence, hatred or division in society is that they will not be tolerated.

‘That’s why we’re rapidly implementing legislation to combat these malicious threats.’

The government has promised a new law that would allow action against state-backed groups, following calls to ban Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

At a roundtable attended by senior figures from the police force and representatives from the arts, higher education, unions and business, Sir Keir promised new action to implement a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to antisemitism on university campuses and action in the arts.

Universities will now be expected to ‘take action’ to combat anti-Semitism among students, the Prime Minister said.

He added: ‘We will now expect them to publish on their campus the extent of the problem and the specific steps they are taking to resolve it. There will be zero tolerance for inaction.’

Sir Keir added that the Arts Council, meanwhile, would be expected to withdraw funding and recover it from anyone found to be promoting antisemitism.

He also announced that the Government had ordered an independent review into how allegations of antisemitism were handled.

He said: ‘This will be a harsh review of where systems have failed. We will not and cannot accept inconvenience, delays or poor practice and where inconsistency is found it will be challenged and resolved quickly.’

Ahead of the meeting, the Government announced that Jewish communities in the UK would receive an extra £1 million in Government funding.

The money is expected to be used for community safety efforts and projects aimed at countering anti-Semitic rhetoric.