London police are investigating an arson attack at a former synagogue in east London, the latest in a series of incidents targeting the Jewish community. Firefighters responded early Tuesday to a blaze that caused minor damage to the building’s gates, and authorities said the fire was started deliberately.

The attack comes amid a rise in antisemitic violence in the capital, including recent stabbings of two Jewish men in north London’s Golders Green area, which has a large Jewish population. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the situation as a 'crisis' as he met with public figures to discuss a response.

Police said the case is being handled by Counter Terrorism Policing London due to the location and nature of the incident. Starmer said investigators are examining whether a foreign state could be linked to some of the recent attacks, warning that any country seeking to promote violence or division would not be tolerated.