UPDATED: Second man charged with arson in east London

A second man has been charged as part of an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London into an arson attack at a former synagogue in east London.

Following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Dominic Charles-Turner 31 (03.01.95), of Leyton, who was arrested on 12 May, has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life at the former synagogue in Tower Hamlets.

He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 14 May.

Police were called to a fire at a former synagogue in Nelson Street, E1, Tower Hamlets on 5 May. CCTV enquiries indicated that the fire was started intentionally at around 05:10hrs.

The former synagogue is in the process of being sold to a local Somali Muslim organisation.

Given the nature and location of the incident, the investigation has been led by Counter Terrorism Policing London.

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. We’re providing protective security advice and support to various organisations, community venues and businesses.”

Two other people, Moses Edwards 45 (12.01.81) of Wanstead and a [B] 52-year-old woman, were arrested on May 10 following the arson attack at the former synagogue in east London.

Edwards was subsequently charged with arson with intent to endanger life. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 12 and was remanded in custody.

He is next due to appear at the Old Bailey on 5 June.

The 52-year-old woman has been released on bail to a date in August.