Counter terrorism police are investigating whether a fire at a former synagogue in east London is part of an arson campaign linked to Iran.
Police said the latest fire broke out at the building on Nelson Street, in Tower Hamlets. The synagogue, which is of cultural significance to London’s Jewish community, had been disused since 2020, and a Muslim group had recently been trying to buy it.
It has Hebrew lettering on its exterior and a star of David at its entrance, which was protected by a gate. The damage from the fire appeared to be minor and confined to the pavement.
The Metropolitan police said CCTV captured the fire being started deliberately at 5.10am, hours before Keir Starmer held talks on how to better protect Britain’s Jewish community.
Since March a group believed by counter-terrorism officials to be acting on behalf on Iran, have claimed responsibility for a series of arson attacks in Britain and Europe.
Several in Britain have targeted Jewish sites and added to a sense of anxiety felt by communities in the UK. Since they began, the Met has increased resources to protect and reassure people.
Police said “minor damage was caused to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the building” in the latest attack.
A group linked to Iran known as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI) has claimed responsibility for previous attacks on social media, usually accompanied by video footage of the attack that was shot by those staging it and not publicly available.
HAYI also claimed responsibility for the stabbing on Wednesday of two Jewish men in Golders Green, north London, though investigators are sceptical about that claim.
After Tuesday morning’s fire, a Telegram channel linked to HAYI noted the arson attempt, but made no claims of responsibility.
The synagogue was known as the East London Central Synagogue, and opened in 1923. It closed 97 years later after its roof collapsed.
A Muslim group had been trying to buy the site and in February paid a deposit to acquire it. The site was due to be sold at auction but is listed as having been sold beforehand.
The Met said officers were called just before 5.15am by the London fire brigade. 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.”
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.”