Arson at former synagogue in London probed by counter-terror police

WorldPolitics
5 May 2026 • 5:42 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Arson at former synagogue in London probed by counter-terror police

  • Counter-terror police are investigating an arson at a former synagogue in Tower Hamlets, east London, which occurred on Tuesday morning.
  • The deliberately set fire caused minor damage to the gates and a lock at the front of the building, with no injuries reported.
  • This incident is the latest in a series of arsons and attempted arsons targeting Jewish community sites across London in recent months.
  • Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, is leading the investigation and will consider potential links to previous incidents in north-west London.
  • Local police have increased their presence in the area and are appealing for anyone with CCTV footage or information to assist detectives.

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