Two people have been arrested by counter-terrorism officers investigating an arson attack at a former synagogue in east London.

A 45-year-old man and a woman, 52, were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson and have been taken into police custody.

Police and firefighters were called to the fire at 5.16am on Tuesday at the former East London Central Synagogue in Whitechapel. Minor damage was caused to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the building. No one was injured. The Metropolitan police said initial CCTV footage indicated the fire was started deliberately.

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

Commander Helen Flanagan, the head of counter-terrorism policing London, said: “Today’s arrests are a significant step in our investigation into this attack and our enquiries are ongoing.

“Our aim continues to arrest and charge all those responsible for the arson attacks and other incidents targeted at Jewish, Israeli and Iranian sites in recent weeks. We will not tolerate these hateful attacks on communities.”

Det Supt Oliver Richter, who leads policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “This attack happened at a synagogue in the process of being sold to a local Somali Muslim organisation, and I know that those of all faiths in the local area have felt targeted and together condemn this horrendous act.

“Our work to engage with and reassure all communities affected by recent events continues, and as always we want to hear of any fears or concerns so we can address them.”

The Met this week announced a new dedicated community protection team of 100 extra officers that will provide a more visible, intelligence‑led and coordinated presence focused on protecting Jewish communities across London.

Following the attack on ambulances operated by the Jewish volunteer group Hatzola in March and a number of other arson attacks and incidents, a total of 33 people have been arrested as part of the counter-terrorism investigations connected to these, the Met said. Of those, eight people have been charged.