Counter-terror police have arrested two people over an arson attack on a former synagogue in east London.
A man aged 45 and a woman aged 52 were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson after a fire was started at the building in Whitechapel last week.
Police were called at 5.16am on Tuesday, 5 May by the London Fire Brigade to Nelson Street, Tower Hamlets.
Officers were quickly on scene with firefighters. Minor damage was caused to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the building. No one was injured.
CCTV enquiries indicated that the fire was started intentionally at around 5.10am.
The incident was the latest in a string of arson attacks on sites in London linked to the Jewish community.
Two men were also in Golders Green on April 29 in an incident being treated as a terror attack.
There have now been a total of 33 people arrested as part of the various CTP investigations connected to these.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of CTP London, which is leading the investigation, said: “Today’s arrests are a significant step in our investigation into this attack and our enquiries are ongoing.
“Our aim continues to arrest and charge all those responsible for the arson attacks and other incidents targeted at Jewish, Israeli and Iranian sites in recent weeks. We will not tolerate these hateful attacks on communities.
“While counter-terrorism officers continue to work closely with Metropolitan Police colleagues to provide protective security advice and support to various organisations, community venues and businesses, everyone can play their part to keep themselves and their communities safe.
“If you have concerns about someone behaving suspiciously, please report it to us. Your information could help us save lives.”
Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter, who leads policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “This attack happened at a synagogue in the process of being sold to a local Somali Muslim organisation, and I know that those of all faiths in the local area have felt targeted and together condemn this horrendous act.
“Our work to engage with and reassure all communities affected by recent events continues, and as always we want to hear of any fears or concerns so we can address them.
“I want to reiterate that no hate crime, no matter who it is against, will be tolerated. It is completely unacceptable and has no place here.”
It comes as the Metropolitan Police announced this week a new dedicated Community Protection Team of 100 extra officers that will provide a more visible, intelligence‑led and coordinated presence focused on protecting Jewish communities across London.
A rally is being held against antisemitism outside Downing Street on Sunday.
In an open letter published ahead of the rally religious leaders from across the country said antisemitism is “a problem for all of us to fix”.
Politicians from a number of political parties took to the stage to speak to the rally.
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the opposition, was met with raucous applause and cheers.
She said: “Many of you know that I was born in this country, but I grew up in Nigeria, and in 2014, I remember when 300 schoolgirls were stolen from their school by Islamic extremists, and only a few returned. I remember on October 7, I saw that same terror, the murder and the massacre of young people at a music festival.
“There are many, many different pockets of antisemitism in this country, but I am most worried about the growth of extremism and terror around the world and how it targets many groups in this country.
“Britain has been a sanctuary for Jewish people, and it must always be a sanctuary for Jewish people.”
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, who was booed and jeered as he took the stage at the rally against antisemitism, said: “I come to speak for something, for the freedom, for the freedom that marks us out as a great country.”
As his voice was drowned out by the boos, Mr McFadden said: “Friends, I hear you, I am with you, I am here to fight antisemitism.”