London Police Probe Arson at Former Synagogue Amid Rising Antisemitic Incidents

NewsDesk MC May 5, 2026May 5, 2026 antisemitic attacks, antisemitism Britain, arson probe, community tensions, counter terrorism UK, crime investigation London, extremist violence, foreign influence probe, Golders Green, hate crime investigation, HAYI group, Iran allegations, Jewish community London, Keir Starmer response, law enforcement UK, London arson attack, Metropolitan Police, public safety UK, religious site attack, synagogue incident UK, terrorism concerns, UK domestic security, UK politics security, uk security

London — London police said on Tuesday they are investigating an arson attack at a former synagogue, the latest in a series of incidents targeting the Jewish community in the British capital.

Officers from Metropolitan Police said firefighters were called early Tuesday to a building in east London, where gates at a former synagogue were set alight, causing minor damage.

Authorities said initial CCTV evidence indicated the fire was started deliberately at around 0510 GMT.Given the site’s connection to the Jewish community, the case has been taken up by Counter Terrorism Policing London, the force added.The incident comes amid a broader spike in antisemitic attacks across London, including arson cases and last week’s stabbing of two Jewish men.

The Golders Green area, home to a large Jewish population, has been among locations affected.Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday convened public figures to discuss what he described as a “crisis” in response to the rise in such attacks. He said authorities were examining whether any incidents may have links to foreign actors.

“Our message to Iran or to any other country that might seek to promote violence, hatred or division in society is that it will not be tolerated,” Starmer said.

A group identified as Harakat Ashab Al-Yamin Al-Islamiya (HAYI), which is believed by officials to have links to Iran, has previously claimed responsibility for similar attacks in Britain and elsewhere in Europe.Police said investigations into the latest arson incident are ongoing.

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