Man Charged with Arson After Attack on Former Synagogue in East London

A man has been charged following an arson attack at a former synagogue in East London. Moses Edwards, 45, of Wanstead, has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life after the East London Central Synagogue building in Whitechapel was targeted on 5 May. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later today. Police and the London Fire Brigade were called to the scene at 05:16 BST. The fire caused minor damage to a gate and lock at the front of the building, and no injuries were reported. According to police, the site is in the process of being sold to a local Somali Muslim organisation, Ashaadibi Education and Cultural Centre, which has condemned the alleged arson attack. A 52-year-old woman was also arrested as part of the investigation, which is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London, on 10 May. She has been released on bail until a date in August.