Moses Edwards, 45, faces a charge of arson with intent to endanger life following an incident at the former East London Central Synagogue in Whitechapel on May 5th. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the charge, stating the building sustained minor damage to its gates and lock shortly after 5 AM.
The former synagogue is reportedly in the process of being sold to a local Somali Muslim organisation. This detail emerges amid a broader context of recent alleged attacks targeting Jewish sites in London.
Legal Proceedings and Initial Arrests
Edwards, of Wanstead, is slated to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, May 12th. He was initially arrested on May 10th. A 52-year-old woman, also arrested in connection with the incident on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson, has since been released on bail, with her next appearance set for August. Police confirmed the arrests were part of a counter-terrorism investigation.
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Wider Pattern of Incidents
The Whitechapel incident is being investigated alongside a series of other alleged attacks on Jewish community buildings in London. Since late March, a total of 33 people have been arrested across various counter-terrorism investigations linked to these incidents. Of these, eight individuals have been formally charged. This includes a 17-year-old who has pleaded guilty to arson following an attack on Kenton United Synagogue on April 18th.
Official Statements and Community Context
Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter, leading policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, acknowledged the condemnation of the "horrendous act" by communities of all faiths, noting the impending sale of the former synagogue. Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of CTP London, described the arrests as a "significant step."
The Metropolitan Police recently established a new dedicated Community Protection Team, comprising 100 officers, aimed at providing a visible presence to protect Jewish communities across London. This move coincides with protests against antisemitism observed elsewhere.
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Past incidents contributing to the overall investigation include an alleged arson attack on Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green in March, a knife attack in Golders Green on April 29th that injured two people, and an attempted firebombing at Finchley Reform Synagogue on April 15th where petrol bombs and a brick were thrown.
