Third arrest in synagogue arson attack: Counter-terror police probe London firebombing

A third person has been arrested as counter-terrorism police investigate an arson attack on a historic former synagogue in Whitechapel. The blaze is one of several recent attacks on Jewish community sites across London, prompting a heightened terror threat level.

A third suspect in custody

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, and he remains in custody. The arrest is the latest development in a fast-moving investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London.

His arrest follows that of two other people on Sunday. Moses Edwards, 45, of Wanstead, has since been charged with arson with intent to endanger life. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody. Prosecutors reportedly alleged that Edwards was in contact with someone using an Iraqi phone number shortly before the fire. A 52-year-old woman who was also arrested has been released on bail until August.

Firebombs at a historic site

The fire was reported at 05:16 BST on 12 May at the former East London Central Synagogue on Nelson Street. The attack involved wine bottles filled with an accelerant which exploded, causing minor damage to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the building. Fortunately, no-one was injured.

The building, established in 1923, is considered the last surviving purpose-built synagogue in that part of the East End. After its closure in 2020 due to a dwindling congregation, the building was in the process of being sold to a local Somali Muslim organisation to be converted into a community centre. Due to the nature of the incident, counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation.

A wider pattern of attacks

This suspected arson is being treated as part of a disturbing series of attacks and attempted attacks on Jewish and Israeli-linked targets across the capital in recent weeks. Other incidents have included the firebombing of Jewish volunteer ambulances in Golders Green and an attempted arson at the Finchley Reform Synagogue.

The incidents come amid a backdrop of rising antisemitism, with one charity, the Community Security Trust, recording thousands of incidents last year. The UK's national terrorism threat level has recently been raised to "severe".

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of counter-terrorism policing in London, confirmed that officers were "working at pace" to arrest everyone suspected of being involved. 

She urged the public to remain vigilant, stating, "If you have concerns about someone behaving suspiciously, please report it to us. Your information could help us save lives." Cdr Flanagan added that officers continue to work with the Metropolitan Police to provide protective security advice to community venues and organisations.