AFP investigating ‘criminals offshore’ as arrest made over Melbourne synagogue arson attack

A young man has been arrested, accused of playing a direct role in the “politically motivated” arson attack on a synagogue.

Counter-terrorism police allege the 21-year-old man is one of three people responsible for the attack at Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue.

The Australian federal police deputy commissioner for national security, Krissy Barrett, told a press conference on Wednesday: “Our investigation is not limited to Australia.

“It involves exploring criminals offshore.

“And we suspect these criminals worked with criminals in Victoria to carry out the arson attack.”

Barrett said the motivation for the attack was still being assessed and that the AFP was “working closely” with Five Eyes and international partners on the investigation.

Read more: The Guardian (UK)