Third arrest over arson attack at former synagogue

"A third person has been arrested by counter-terrorism police investigating an arson attack at a former synagogue in east London. Minor damage was caused to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the former East London Central Synagogue building in Whitechapel on 12 May. No-one was injured. The suspected arson follows a series of attacks and attempted attacks on the Jewish community in recent weeks."

"The fire was reported at 05:16 BST and the Met said CCTV inquiries indicated it was started intentionally. Because of the nature and location of the incident, the investigation has been led by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London, the force added. The building is in the process of being sold to a local Somali Muslim organisation."

"A 31-year-old man was arrested at an address in Leyton, east London, on Tuesday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody. Two other people were arrested on Sunday in connection with the investigation. Moses Edwards, 45, of Wanstead, has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at the Old Bailey on 5 June."

"Cdr Helen Flanagan, head of counter terrorism policing in London, said officers were "working at pace" to arrest everyone suspected of involvement in the attack. She asked the public to remain vigilant following the recent increase in the UK terror threat level to severe. "If you have concerns about someone behaving suspiciously, please report it to us. Your information could help us save lives," she said."

A third person was arrested by counter-terrorism police investigating an arson attack at a former synagogue in east London. Minor damage occurred to gates and a lock at the front of the former East London Central Synagogue building in Whitechapel on 12 May, and no one was injured. The fire was reported at 05:16 BST, and CCTV inquiries indicated it was started intentionally. The investigation is led by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London due to the incident’s nature and location. A 31-year-old man was arrested in Leyton and remains in custody. Two other people were arrested earlier, with one charged and remanded and another released on bail. Officers are working to arrest everyone suspected of involvement and urged public vigilance amid a severe UK terror threat level.

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