CCTV footage shows the fire being started intentionally minutes earlier, prompting an investigation lead by counter terrorism police
A fire at a 100-year-old synagogue in Whitechapel is being treated as arson, the Metropolitan Police said. Firefighters scrambled to the former East London Central Synagogue on Nelson Street shortly after 5.10am this morning (May 5) as flames burned the front entrance.
CCTV footage shows the fire being started intentionally minutes earlier, prompting an investigation lead by counter terrorism police. The blaze damaged a set of gates and a lock at the front of the historic building but caused zero injuries.
No arrests have been made in connection, with urgent enquiries now being carried out to identify the person or people responsible. Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who leads policing in the area, 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 enquiries into this incident continue.”
The East London Central Synagogue ceased operating in 2020 and was put up for auction in February. It was advertised with an asking price of £2m.
This morning’s fire follows a number of arsons and attempted arsons targeting Jewish communities in the north west of the city. Police are “considering any potential links” as part of the investigation, the Met said.
“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,” Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, added.
“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 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.”
The Metropolitan Police launched its “most intensive” set of community operations following the initial arson of Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green in March. Attempted arson attacks were then carried out at Finchley Reform Synagogue and outside the offices of a Persian media company.
On April 27 a memorial wall in Golders Green was targeted in an alleged arson attack, with a man and woman now arrested on suspicion of arson. Days later, two Jewish men were stabbed in an apparent antisemitic attack on Golders Green Road.
Essa Suleiman, a 45-year-old man living in Camberwell, has since been charged with two counts of attempted murder. He was aalso charged with attempted murder in relation to a separate incident in Great Dover Street in Southwark earlier the same day.
The Met said it has deployed thousands of additional officer shifts to “protect Londoners and reassure communities” affected by these incidents. This includes armed police patrols as well as deployments of officers from Project Servator, who are trained to spot individuals who may be planning or preparing to commit criminal acts.
Anyone with information about this morning’s arson is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference CAD 1000/5MAY.
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