Brighton and Hove – Security fears have intensified at an East Sussex synagogue after a teenager was charged with terrorism offences.
The Community Security Trust (CST) said counter-terror police had informed the group that an individual had been researching Holland Road synagogue in Hove.
Mason Reynolds, 18, from Brighton, was arrested on June 27 and charged with 11 terrorism-related offences. The charges against him are linked to an “extreme right-wing ideology”, police said.
Among the charges are five counts of collecting information which could be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.
He is also charged with five counts of dissemination of terrorist publications, and a further count of possessing an article for the purpose of terrorism.
Reynolds appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, and will next appear at the Old Bailey on July 21.
A spokesperson for Counter Terrorism Policing Southeast said the charges against Reynolds were linked to an “extreme right-wing ideology”.
In a statement, the CST said: “After his arrest this week, we were informed by the police that the defendant had allegedly conducted online research into Hove Hebrew Congregation (Holland Road Synagogue).
“The defendant has been remanded in custody and at this stage, there is no indication that anybody else was involved.
“The threat of terrorism faced by Jewish communities is the reason why security remains an essential part of Jewish communal life.
“We have been working closely with counter-terrorism police, Hove Hebrew Congregation and Sussex Jewish Representative Council to ensure appropriate measures are in place.”
The Sussex Jewish Representative Council said: “This is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat the Jewish community faces from those fomenting antisemitic views.
“We would encourage people to be mindful of their language and the way they put their views forward in public and on social media.
“The small Jewish community of Brighton and Hove should feel safe to practice and demonstrate our faith without the threat of terrorism, violence or hostility.”
Holland Road Synagogue was originally built as a gymnasium in 1883 by George Fuller. It was converted to a synagogue in 1929-30 by Marcus Glass.
The JC has approached Holland Road Synagogue for comment.
