British counterterrorism police are investigating an arson attack on a former synagogue in London's Tower Hamlets borough, the latest in a wave of assaults targeting the Jewish community in the UK capital. Officers responded early Tuesday, confirming no injuries but that the fire was deliberately set, causing minor damage to gates and a lock at the front of the building.

The building has not been operational as a synagogue for years, but police acknowledged this offers little comfort to the Jewish community. Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke stated the investigation is being taken extremely seriously, with counterterrorism colleagues providing support.

Last week, the UK's national threat level was raised to "severe," indicating an attack is highly likely. The government attributed this to a "broader Islamist and extreme right-wing terrorist threat" from individuals and small groups.

The arson occurred hours before Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted a meeting at his residence to address rising anti-Semitism, following two stabbings last week that injured two Jewish men and one Muslim man. Starmer called the situation a "crisis" and pledged to fast-track legislation in response.

Several arson attacks have targeted synagogues and Jewish sites in London since late March. The latest incident underscores growing tensions and security concerns within the Jewish community, amid a broader climate of hate crimes.

Source: www.aljazeera.com