File photo: Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during a press conference at Downing Street in London. (AP)
Counter-terrorism police have launched an investigation after a fire was deliberately started at a former synagogue in east London, as authorities examine a series of incidents targeting the Jewish community.The Metropolitan Police said the blaze at the former East London Central Synagogue in Whitechapel occurred early on Tuesday and is being treated as arson. Surveillance footage indicated the fire was started intentionally, with no injuries reported and no arrests made so far, The CBS News reported.
PM raises concerns over wider threat
The incident comes amid growing concern over antisemitic violence in the capital. Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with community leaders, ministers and senior police officials to discuss the situation, describing it as a crisis and warning of potential external involvement.Starmer said one line of enquiry is examining whether a foreign state may be linked to recent attacks on Jewish sites across London.
Links to recent incidents examined
The investigation follows a series of attacks, including the stabbing of two Jewish men in north London last week and multiple incidents targeting synagogues and community locations since March.A group believed to have links to Iran has claimed responsibility for several recent attacks in Britain and elsewhere in Europe. The prime minister said any attempt by foreign actors to promote violence or division would not be tolerated.
Warning issued and legislation planned
Starmer warned there would be consequences if any state involvement is confirmed and said new legislation aimed at countering hostile threats would be fast-tracked.Police said the building targeted in Tuesday’s incident had not been operational as a synagogue for several years but acknowledged the impact on the wider Jewish community in east London.
Investigation continues
Officers said enquiries remain ongoing as counter-terrorism teams work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fire and assess any potential links to the broader pattern of incidents across the capital.