Men in court over alleged arson at former synagogue

Two men have indicated not guilty pleas over an alleged arson attack at a former synagogue in east London.

Dominic Charles-Turner, 31, and Moses Edwards, 45, are charged with arson with intent to endanger life at the building in Nelson Street, Whitechapel.

The court heard there were two explosions at about 05:00 BST on 5 May, followed by a fire at the entrance and gates of the synagogue, which had been closed since 2020 but still displayed Jewish symbols.

Turner and Edwards, both of east London, appeared at the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing. Barristers for both defendants indicated they would deny the charge against them. A plea hearing was set for 18 September.

Fire crews were called to the scene shortly after the initial explosions. Six wine bottles were recovered, two badly damaged by fire and some later found to contain petrol accelerant, the court was told.

At the time of the fire, the former synagogue was in the process of being bought by a Muslim community group with plans to convert it to a mosque and community centre.

A provisional trial date was set for 28 April 2027.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk