Counter terror police have arrested a man and a woman in connection to an arson attack on a former synagogue in east London.
A man, 45, and a woman, 52, were arrested today on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson and have been taken into police custody.
Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London are currently investigating an attack at the east London site.
The London Fire Brigade called the police at 5.16am on Tuesday May 5 after receiving reports of a fire at the building along Nelson Street in Tower Hamlets.
While minor damage was sustained by a set of gates and a building lock, no one reported any injuries.
Further review of CCTV revealed the fire was started deliberately at 5.10am that morning.
Upon consideration of the nature and location of the attack, Counter Terrorism Policing London took on the case.
Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter, police chief in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: "This attack happened at a synagogue in the process of being sold to a local Somali Muslim organisation.
The attack took place last week
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"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."
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of CTP London, which is leading the investigation, said that the arrests were a "significant step" in their investigation, while enquiries are ongoing.
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The site had been bought by a local Somali Muslim organisation
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She added: "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."
After the attack last week, the President of the East London Central Synagogue Leon Silver told GB News his reaction was one of "horror".
"The synagogue had been daubed once before, several months ago," he said. "But this is way beyond even that. It's absolutely shocking and deeply upsetting."
On the previous incident, Mr Silver revealed: "A lot of the building is empty, and part of the ceiling came down several years ago, so it is a closed synagogue, but it is still a synagogue.
"There's a lot of graffiti outside, but it was actually, ironically, not during the Gaza War, but after the ceasefire, the synagogue was stormed, was daubed with paint 'free Palestine' and 'kill the Zionists'.
"I reported it to the council and, to their credit, they immediately had it removed."