CCTV captures suspects in synagogue terror attack

A 21-year-old Werribee man was charged with arson, conduct endangering life and motor vehicle theft after he was arrested and questioned yesterday.

Police will allege the man was one of three offenders who broke into the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea of December 6 last year, where they started a blaze that severely damaged the premises.

A 21-year-old Werribee man was arrested yesterday in relation to the synagogue attack.

He was arrested at a Werribee home in one of seven raids across Melbourne coordinated by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) yesterday.

Several items, including electronic devices were seized from properties in Point Cook, Toorak, Airport West, Hadfield, Werribee, Weir Views, and Coburg as a result of the raids.

Further arrests and charges are expected soon, police said.

The Werribee man is expected to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court today.

Arson carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years in Victoria, while 10 years' jail is the maximum term that can be served for motor vehicle theft and conduct endangering life.

On July 16, police charged another man over allegedly stealing a car which is alleged to have been used to drive to the synagogue on the night of the fire.

The Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea in Melbourne's south-east was left gutted after a suspicious blaze on December 6 last year, leaving the Jewish community in deep shock.

"Our investigation is not limited to Australia. It involves exploring criminals offshore," AFP Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett said.

"We suspect these criminals worked with criminal associates in Victoria to carry out the arson attack.

"The motivation is still being assessed and we will make further comments at an appropriate time about that."

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