Suspect charged with arson after reports of fire at former synagogue set to become mosque

12 May 2026 • 3:42 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Suspect charged with arson after reports of fire at former synagogue set to become mosque

A 45-year-old man has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life after reports of a fire at a former synagogue in east London.

The building is in the process of being sold to a Muslim organisation which plans to turn it into a mosque and community centre.

Moses Edwards, from Wanstead, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday after the alleged arson attack on the building in Nelson Street, Whitechapel on May 5.

Police said minor damage was caused to the gates and a lock at the front of the building shortly after 5am, and no one was hurt.

A 52-year-old woman, who was also arrested as part of the investigation, has been released on bail to a date in August.

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