ShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleGoogle MapsThe building ceased operating as a synagogue in 2020A fire at a building formerly used as a synagogue in east London is being treated as an attempted arson attack and investigated the Metropolitan Police's counter-terrorism unit, the force said.
The fire broke out in the was reported at 05:16 BST on Tuesday at the former East London Central Synagogue building in Whitechapel.
The Met said initial CCTV footage indicated the fire was started deliberately.
The suspected arson follows a series of attacks and attempted attacks on the Jewish community in recent weeks.
Det Ch Supt Brittany Clarke, who leads policing in the area, said the force was taking this incident "extremely seriously" and would be working with colleagues from counter-terrorism policing.
She added: "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."
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