Counter-terrorism police are investigating a suspected arson attack at a former synagogue.
Jewish security charity Shomrim said that fire crews were called out to the building in Nelson Street, Whitechapel, east London, in the early hours of Tuesday.
The incident is being investigated alongside a number of apparent attacks on Jewish sites in London since late March.
The Metropolitan Police said officers were called just before 5.15am by the London Fire Brigade, and that minor damage had been caused to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the building.
CCTV showed that the fire had ben started deliberately minutes before, the force said.
Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke 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 inquiries into this incident continue.”
The former synagogue in Whitechapel was due to be sold at auction earlier this year, with a separate bid by a Muslim group to buy the building and convert it into a mosque and community centre.
The Ashaadini Education and Cultural Centre, that has put a deposit down to buy the site, said in a letter posted on social media: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the arson attack at the Nelson Street Synagogue in east London this morning.
“We unequivocally condemn this cowardly act of arson and any form of violence or intimidation directed at places of worship and the communities they serve.
“An attack on a house of worship is an attack on all of us.
“There is no place for hatred in our borough.”
President of the former synagogue Leon Silver, 76, told the Press Association he felt “awful” after hearing news of the attack.
“It was so shocking and I found myself trembling. Even when I got here I was still trembling.
“I mean it’s an awful thing to happen – and in Tower Hamlets. I was used to hearing about these things in Golders Green.
“We have had incidents here over the years, passers-by shouting, but nothing on this level, someone trying to burn the synagogue.”
He said that the fire had not spread beyond the gates, and that there had been a failed attempt to smash a window.
Mr Silver added: “Whatever happens in the Middle East always filters down here and it shouldn’t.
“What on earth does that synagogue have to do with what’s happening thousands of miles from here?”
Since late March there have been a series of arson attacks at Jewish sites in London, as well as a double stabbing in Golders Green that is being treated as an act of terrorism.
Most of the attacks have been claimed by a group called Hayi, that is suspected to be backed by Iran in a bid to sow division in Britain.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is hosting a meeting of senior public figures on Tuesday to drive forward the UK’s response to antisemitism.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter-Terrorism Policing London, 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 under way.
“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 (terrorism) 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.”
Rushanara Ali, the Labour MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney, said she condemns the attack.
Speaking near the building on Tuesday, she told the Press Association: “I understand how distressing this must be for my constituents of Jewish heritage and Jewish faith.
“I speak to people of Jewish heritage in my constituency regularly and they have been very concerned about the wider climate of antisemitism and hostility.
“And of course, these attacks, both here today and elsewhere in London and in the country, will be very concerning.
“I want to reassure them that I’m here with them, and I know that the vast majority of people in this community, of all backgrounds, will show solidarity.”
Helen Stengel, 68, has lived in Tower Hamlets for 40 years and described the incident as “very, very worrying” and “very unsettling”.
The retired carer said she has spoken to a local rabbi after the arson attack, who “just felt he’s lost confidence in the statutory powers to keep him safe”.
Another resident, who asked to remain anonymous, described the incident as “terrible”.
The 44-year-old said an attack like this has “never happened before” at the synagogue, adding: “We’ve got a church there, a mosque just there, it’s all been very peaceful.”
The police cordon remained in place at 5pm on Tuesday, with forensics officers still working at the scene.
Anyone with information about the Nelson Street arson can contact police on 101 quoting reference CAD 1000/5MAY.
