NSW Police arrest second man over Newtown synagogue attack

A second man has been arrested in relation to an alleged anti-Semitic attack on a synagogue in Sydney’s inner west.

The man, aged 37, was arrested at a hotel in Pyrmont, in the inner city, on Thursday afternoon.

NSW Police have since released footage of his arrest, which shows the 37-year-old shirtless, barefoot and restless as he is being apprehended by police.

Adam Moule, 33, is also accused of an attack on the Newtown Synagogue in the early hours of January 11.

Mr Moule’s home was raided by police on Tuesday night, and he was taken into custody.

He was not required to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday, and his bail was refused.

Mr Moule is charged with four offences – recklessly destroy or damage property, destroy or damage property in company by means of fire or explosives, cultivation of a prohibited plant, and unlawfully obtaining five debit cards.

He is set to appear in court again in February.

During the attack, red swastikas were graffitied along the front fence and police say there was an attempt to set fire to the building.

NSW Premier Chris Minns praised police for their “determination” in making arrests under Strike Force Pearl.

“I want to congratulate NSW Police for their dogged work investigating the Newtown Synagogue attack,” he said on Thursday.

“NSW Police has now arrested 10 people under Strike Force Pearl, and investigators are not done yet.

“The NSW Police Force has deployed dozens of officers determined to catch the barstards responsible for these sickening, racist crimes.”

Mr Minns has vowed a strong police response and even changes to laws amid the spate of suspected anti-Semitic incidents across Sydney in recent weeks.