Two arrested over arson attack on former synagogue in east London

Two people were arrested over a pre-dawn arson attack on a former synagogue in east London as counter-terrorism officers expanded an inquiry into a series of attacks on Jewish, Israeli and Iranian sites.

A 45-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman were detained on Sunday, 10 May 2026, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson, the Metropolitan Police said. Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London made the arrests in connection with the fire at the building on Nelson Street, E1, in Tower Hamlets.

Police were called at 05:16hrs on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, after the London Fire Brigade reported a fire at the site. CCTV enquiries showed the blaze had been started intentionally at about 05:10hrs. The fire caused minor damage to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the building, and no one was injured.

The case has been placed in the hands of counter-terrorism officers because of the nature and location of the incident. Commander Helen Flanagan said the arrests were a significant step and that enquiries were continuing. Investigators are also examining recent arson attacks and other incidents aimed at Jewish, Israeli and Iranian sites in recent weeks.

Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter said the attack took place at a synagogue that was in the process of being sold to a local Somali Muslim organisation. He said people of all faiths in the area had felt targeted by the attack and condemned it. The location has sharpened concern that threats to Jewish sites do not disappear when buildings are no longer active houses of worship.

The arrests come amid a wider wave of antisemitic violence across the United Kingdom. In March, four ambulances owned by a Jewish charity were torched, a synagogue was firebombed, other attempted arson attacks were reported at Jewish sites, and two Jewish men were stabbed in what police have called an act of terror. The Community Security Trust said antisemitic incidents in the UK rose to 3,700 in 2025 from 1,662 in 2022.

The Metropolitan Police has also announced a new Community Protection Team of 100 extra officers to provide a more visible, intelligence-led and coordinated presence focused on protecting Jewish communities across London. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the attacks fit a pattern of rising antisemitism and will not be tolerated. Police are also looking into whether some of the incidents are linked to Iranian proxies, and a pro-Iran group has claimed responsibility for several of the attacks.