Two arrested over arson attack at former synagogue

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A man and a woman have been arrested by counter-terrorism police over a suspected arson attack at a former synagogue in east London.

Minor damage was caused to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the former East London Central Synagogue building in Whitechapel on Tuesday. No-one was injured.

The suspected arson follows a series of attacks and attempted attacks on the Jewish community in recent weeks.

The Metropolitan Police said the 45-year-old man and 52-year-old woman were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson and taken into police custody.

The fire was reported at 05:16 BST and the Met said CCTV inquiries indicated it was started intentionally.

Due to the nature and location of the incident, the investigation has been led by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London, the force added.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, said the arrests were a "significant step" in their investigation.

She added: "Our aim continues to arrest and charge all those responsible for the arson attacks and other incidents targeted at Jewish, Israeli and Iranian sites in recent weeks. We will not tolerate these hateful attacks on communities.

"While counter-terrorism officers continue to work closely with Metropolitan Police colleagues to provide protective security advice and support to various organisations, community venues and businesses, everyone can play their part to keep themselves and their communities safe.

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Det Supt Oliver Richter, who leads policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: "This attack happened at a synagogue in the process of being sold to a local Somali Muslim organisation, and I know that those of all faiths in the local area have felt targeted and together condemn this horrendous act.

"Our work to engage with and reassure all communities affected by recent events continues, and as always we want to hear of any fears or concerns so we can address them.

"I want to reiterate that no hate crime, no matter who it is against, will be tolerated. It is completely unacceptable and has no place here."

Since late March there have been a series of arson attacks at Jewish sites in London, as well as a double stabbing in Golders Green that is being treated by police as an act of terrorism.

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