Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London has launched an investigation after a fire at a former synagogue in Tower Hamlets was determined to be a suspected arson attack, raising further concerns amid a recent wave of incidents targeting London’s Jewish community.
Emergency services were called at approximately, following reports of a fire at the former synagogue building on Nelson Street, E1. Officers from the Metropolitan Police and firefighters from the London Fire Brigade quickly attended the scene.
According to investigators, minor damage was caused to gates and a lock at the front of the building. No injuries were reported. Initial CCTV enquiries suggest that the fire was deliberately started at around 05:10, and the incident is now officially being treated as arson.
Although the building has not functioned as a synagogue for several years, authorities stressed that the symbolic significance of the site means the attack will resonate deeply within London’s Jewish community. The synagogue ceased operating in 2020 and was reportedly placed for sale earlier this year.
Given the location and nature of the incident, Counter Terrorism Policing London has taken the lead in the investigation. Detectives are also examining possible links between this attack and a series of recent arsons and attempted arsons targeting Jewish Londoners, particularly in the north-west of the city.
Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who leads local policing in the area, stated: “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.”
She added that residents should expect an increased police presence in the area while enquiries continue.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of CTP London, confirmed that investigators are assessing whether the incident is connected to previous attacks directed at Jewish individuals and institutions in London.
Flanagan noted that counter-terrorism officers are working alongside Metropolitan Police units to provide security advice and reassurance to community organisations, venues, and businesses.
The investigation comes against the backdrop of heightened national security concerns, with the UK terror threat level currently standing at “severe,” meaning an attack is considered highly likely. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour.
Since the arson attack in Golders Green earlier this year, the Metropolitan Police says it has launched one of the largest community protection operations in its history. Thousands of additional police shifts have been deployed across affected areas, including armed patrols and specialist Project Servator officers trained to detect hostile reconnaissance and suspicious activity.
Jewish community security organisations, including Shomrim, have also increased patrols in response to the growing sense of insecurity among British Jews.
