Counter terror police probe launched after former synagogue targeted in fresh 'arson attack' in London

By AIDAN RADNEDGE, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 10:18, 5 May 2026 | Updated: 10:28, 5 May 2026 A former synagogue in London has been hit with a suspected arson attack - as counter-terrorism police launch an investigation. Officers were called today at 5.16am by the London Fire Brigade to reports of a blaze at a former synagogue in Nelson Street in Tower Hamlets, east London. Officers found minor damage to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the building, while there were no reports of any people injured. Initial CCTV enquiries indicate the fire was started intentionally at about 5.10am and the incident is being treated as arson. There have been no arrests. Det Chief Supt Brittany Clarke, who leads policing in the area, 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 enquiries into this incident continue.' Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London which is leading the investigation, 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 underway. '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 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.' Anyone with information about this morning's arson is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference CAD 1000/5MAY. Since the recent arson attack in Golders Green in north London, the Met Police says it has launched the most intensive set of community operations the force has ever run. This is a breaking news story. More to follow...  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.