Police investigate suspected arson attack at former synagogue in east London
Police are investigating a suspected arson attack at the former East London Central Synagogue in Tower Hamlets, with CCTV showing the fire was deliberately set. The building, no longer operational as a synagogue, sustained minor damage to its gates and lock. Counter-terrorism officers are examining potential links to a group believed to be acting on behalf of Iran.
- ▪The fire occurred at the former East London Central Synagogue on Nelson Street in Tower Hamlets.
- ▪CCTV footage captured the fire being started deliberately at 5.10am on May 5, 2026.
- ▪The Metropolitan Police are investigating possible connections to Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, a group linked to Iran that has claimed responsibility for other recent attacks.
- ▪A Muslim group had recently paid a deposit to purchase the disused synagogue, which closed in 2020 after its roof collapsed.
- ▪The terrorism threat level in the UK has been raised to severe, prompting increased police presence and community outreach.
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A forensic investigator walks past the fire-damaged gates of the former East London Central Synagogue in Tower Hamlets. Photograph: Lucy North/PAView image in fullscreenA forensic investigator walks past the fire-damaged gates of the former East London Central Synagogue in Tower Hamlets. Photograph: Lucy North/PALondonPolice investigate suspected arson attack at former synagogue in east LondonMinor damage to gates is believed to have been caused by fire that CCTV shows was started deliberately, Met saysVikram Dodd and Helena HortonTue 5 May 2026 08.06 EDTFirst published on Tue 5 May 2026 05.31 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleCounter-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…
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