Second man charged with arson at former synagogue in East London

A second man has been charged as part of a counter-terrorism investigation into an arson attack at a former synagogue.

Dominique Charles-Turner, who was arrested on 12 May, has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life at the former synagogue in Whitechapel.

The 31-year-old, of Leyton, east London, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 14 May.

Officers were called to a fire at the ex-synagogue in Nelson Street on 5 May. CCTV appeared to show the fire was started intentionally at around 5.10am, police said.

Damage was caused to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the building.

The site is in the process of being sold to a local Somali Muslim organisation, with plans to convert it to a mosque and community centre.

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 its investigation team are working "to arrest all those suspected of being involved in the arson attack".

"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," she added.

"If you have concerns about someone behaving suspiciously, please report it to us."

Two other suspects, Moses Edwards, 45, of Wanstead, east London, and a 52-year-old woman, were arrested on May 10.

Edwards was has also been charged with arson with intent to endanger life and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 12 where he was remanded in custody.

Read more from Sky News:
Don't risk stability warns Reeves
Why voters want 'bobbins' PM to go

He is next due to appear at the Old Bailey on 5 June. The 52-year-old woman has been released on bail until August.

A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service said: "Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings."

(c) Sky News 2026: Second man charged with arson at former synagogue in East London