Counter-terrorism probe after arson attack at former London synagogue

Counter-terrorism police in the UK are investigating a suspected arson attack at a former synagogue in east London amid a series of recent incidents targeting the Jewish community.

The fire broke out at 05:16 BST on May 5 at the former East London Central Synagogue in Whitechapel. The Metropolitan Police said early CCTV evidence suggests the blaze was started deliberately, BBC reports. 

Authorities confirmed there were no injuries, and the fire—described by the London Fire Brigade as “a small fire affecting the exterior of the building”—was quickly brought under control. The cause remains under investigation alongside police.

The incident comes amid heightened concern over a pattern of attacks and attempted attacks targeting Jewish sites across London in recent weeks. Counter-terrorism policing has now taken the lead in the investigation.

Det Ch Supt Brittany Clarke said the force was treating the case with urgency: “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.”

Cdr Helen Flanagan, head of counter-terrorism policing, said investigators are exploring possible links to other incidents: “officers were looking at potential links between this incident and recent attacks on the Jewish community in north and north-west London.”

She added that authorities are increasing engagement with community organisations and security groups: “With the threat level now raised to severe, everyone can play their part to keep themselves and their communities safe.”

The Community Security Trust (CST), which provides protection for Jewish institutions in the UK, urged vigilance following the attack, advising people “to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity, at any time of day or night”.

The site of the fire has a complex recent history. It was previously a synagogue and had been due to be sold, with reports of competing bids, including from a Muslim group seeking to convert the building into a mosque and community centre.

Local residents expressed shock at the incident. One man living nearby said: “I came out this morning and saw it was all blocked off... I heard there was a firebomb on the synagogue.”

Another resident said: “That synagogue has been turned into a mosque so I don't know why someone would petrol bomb it.”

A third added: “Any hate crime is not something that should be done. It's sad.”

Since late March, London has seen a series of arson attacks at Jewish sites, along with a stabbing incident in Golders Green that authorities are treating as terrorism. Some of the attacks have been claimed by a group calling itself “Hayi,” though investigators have not confirmed the authenticity of these claims, noting that propaganda material using the name has also appeared on channels linked to the Iranian state.

Police say inquiries are ongoing as they assess whether the latest attack forms part of a wider pattern of targeted violence.

By Sabina Mammadli