Police investigate fire at former synagogue in east London

Counter-terrorism officers are investigating a Suspected arson attack at a former synagogue in east London, the Metropolitan Police have said.The Jewish security charity Shomrim said fire crews were called out to the building in Nelson Street, Whitechapel, in the early hours of Tuesday.The incident is one of a number of apparent attacks on Jewish sites in London since late March now being investigated. Keir Starmer is hosting a meeting of senior public figures on Tuesday to drive forward the UK’s response to Antisemitism.The Met said officers were called just before 5.15am by the London fire brigade. It is believed that minor damage to gates at the front of the building was caused by fire. CCTV showed that the fire had been started deliberately minutes before, the force said.DCS Brittany Clarke said: “We are taking this incident extremely seriously and we will be working closely with colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing to support the investigation.“The building targeted has not been operational as a synagogue for some years but that will be of little comfort to the Jewish community in Tower Hamlets, Hackney and beyond, who are first in my thoughts this morning. Local residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while inquiries into this incident continue.”The former synagogue in Whitechapel was due to be sold at auction earlier this year, and there was a separate bid by a Muslim group to buy the building and convert it into a mosque and community centre.Commander Helen Flanagan, the head of Counter-Terrorism Policing London, said: “This incident follows on from a number of arsons and attempted arsons targeting Jewish Londoners in the north-west of the city and we will be considering any potential links as their investigation gets under way. Detectives are already working quickly to gather evidence and identify those responsible and I would urge anyone with CCTV or information that could assist detectives to contact police.“Counter-terrorism officers continue to work closely with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police in response to the various incidents. We’re providing protective security advice and support to various organisations, community venues and businesses.“With the [terrorism] threat level now raised to severe, everyone can play their part to keep themselves and their communities safe. If you see or hear anything that doesn’t look or feel right, then please report it to us. Your information could help us save lives.”More details soon …