Second man charged in terror probe: Shocking arson attack at historic London synagogue

A second man has been charged as part of a counter-terrorism investigation into a suspected arson attack at a former synagogue in east London. The incident, which targeted a historic building in the process of being sold to a Muslim organisation, has heightened community fears amidst a troubling rise in antisemitic attacks.

The latest charges

Counter Terrorism Policing London has charged a second man following a suspected arson attack at a former London synagogue. Dominique Charles-Turner, 31, of Leyton, was arrested on May 12 and subsequently charged with arson with intent to endanger life at the site in Tower Hamlets. He was due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court following the charge.

His arrest follows that of two other individuals over the weekend. Moses Edwards, 45, of Wanstead, was arrested on May 10 and was also charged with arson with intent to endanger life.

After appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 12, Edwards was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on June 5. A 52-year-old woman who was arrested alongside him has since been released on bail until a date in August, according to the Metropolitan Police.

An attack on a historic site

Emergency services were called to reports of a fire at the former East London Central Synagogue on Nelson Street on May 5. Investigators later revealed that the blaze, which was ignited intentionally at around 5.10am, caused minor damage to a set of gates and a building lock at the front of the property. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.

Due to the nature and location of the attack, the investigation was quickly taken over by Counter Terrorism Policing London. The building, a Grade II listed structure, holds significant historical importance as the last purpose-built synagogue in the area, having been founded in 1923.

It had ceased operations in 2020 after its ceiling collapsed and, at the time of the attack, was in the process of being sold to the Ashaadibi Education and Cultural Centre, a local Somali Muslim community organisation. The group, which planned to convert the site into a mosque and community hub, unequivocally condemned the attack, stating, "An attack on a house of worship is an attack on all of us."

A community left shaken

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community. Speaking to GB News, the President of the East London Central Synagogue, Leon Silver, described the attack as "absolutely shocking and deeply upsetting." He revealed that this was not the first time the building had been targeted.

"The synagogue had been daubed once before, several months ago," he said. "But this is way beyond even that." He added that he felt "not enough is being done" to protect the Jewish community following a series of targeted attacks across the capital.

The attack comes against a backdrop of rising tensions. The Community Security Trust (CST), a charity monitoring anti-Jewish hate, recorded nearly 4,000 antisemitic incidents in the past year, the second-highest annual total on record. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, confirmed her team was working at pace to arrest all suspects.

"I want to remind the public that, with the threat level now raised to severe, everyone can play their part to keep themselves and their communities safe," she urged. "If you have concerns about someone behaving suspiciously, please report it to us. Your information could help us save lives."

The investigation continues as officers work with community organisations to provide security advice and support.