Second man charged after counter terror police probe suspected arson attack at former London synagogue

WATCH NOW: Over the weekend, two people were arrested in connection to an arson attack on a former synagogue

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GB NEWS

Susanna Siddell

By Susanna Siddell


Published: 14/05/2026

- 08:23

Updated: 14/05/2026

- 08:54

The 31-year-old is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court today

A second man has been charged after a counter terror police probe was launched into a suspected arson attack at a former London synagogue.

Dominique Charles-Turner, 31, of Leyton, was arrested on May 12 and has since been charged with arson with intent to endanger life at the site in Tower Hamlets, east London.


He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later today.

Emergency services responded to reports of a fire at a former synagogue, which was in the process of being sold to a local Somali Muslin organisation, along Nelson Street on May 5.

Further investigation revealed the blaze was ignited intentionally in the morning at around 5.10am.

While minor damage was sustained by a set of gates and a building lock, no one reported any injuries.

Counter Terrorism Policing London took over the case due to the nature and location of the incident, the Metropolitan Police said.

Two other people were arrested over the weekend after the east London attack.

Fire officers on scene of Nelson Street after suspected arson attack

Emergency services descended on the scene following reports of the blaze

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PA

Moses Edwards, 45, of Wanstead and a 52-year-old woman were arrested on May 10.

Edwards was later charged with arson with intent to endanger life and was remanding in custody after appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 12.

He will appear at the Old Baily on June 5.

Meanwhile, the 52-year-old has since been released on bail to a date in August.

Forensic officers on scene of Nelson Street after suspected arson attack

CCTV footage revealed the blaze starting at around 5.10am on May 5

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PA

After today's charge, Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, said: "The investigation team are working at pace to arrest all those suspected of being involved in the arson attack on the former synagogue.

"I want to remind the public that, with the threat level now raised to severe, 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.

"Counter terrorism officers also continue to work closely with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police in response to all the various incidents in recent months."

She added her team, along with the Metropolitan Police, were providing protective security advice and support across organisations, community venues as well as businesses.

Speaking to GB News following the incident, the President of the East London Central Synagogue Leon Silver said: "The synagogue had been daubed once before, several months ago.

"But this is way beyond even that. It's absolutely shocking and deeply upsetting."

He went on to say that "not enough is being done" to protect the Jewish community following a string of targeted attacks across the capital.