UK Counter-Terror Police Probe Arson at Former London Synagogue

British counter-terrorism police have launched an investigation into a deliberate arson attack on a former synagogue in London, marking the latest incident in a wave of assaults targeting the city’s Jewish community.

According to authorities, the incident occurred early Tuesday in the Tower Hamlets district of London. Police confirmed there were no casualties, but the fire was deliberately set, causing minor damage to the front gate and lock of the building.

Last week, the UK’s national terrorism threat level was raised to 'severe', meaning an attack is considered highly likely. The government said the decision was based on 'the broader Islamist and far-right terrorist threat' posed by domestic individuals and small groups.

The arson took place just hours before Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a meeting at his London residence focused on tackling antisemitism. The government said the meeting was called in response to a surge in antisemitism following two attacks last week, in which two Jewish men and one Muslim man were stabbed in London.

Since the end of March, multiple arson attacks have occurred at synagogues and Jewish sites in London. Starmer has vowed to fast-track legislation to address the wave of attacks, calling the current situation a 'crisis'.

Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke said: 'We are treating this incident with the utmost seriousness and are working closely with counter-terrorism police to assist the investigation. The building targeted has not been used as a synagogue for years, but that is unlikely to bring any comfort to the Jewish community in Tower Hamlets, Hackney and beyond. They are the first thought on our minds this morning.'