Exeter Shul arson suspect transferred from prison to mental hospital

A man who allegedly set fire to Exeter’s historic synagogue in a Shabbat day arson attack is to be transferred from prison to a mental hospital.

Tristan Morgan, 51, who was assessed as unfit to attend Exeter Crown Court, was accused of arson with intent to endanger life.

The case was adjourned until October while doctors prepare a psychiatric report.

The blaze at the synagogue, one of the most historic in Britain, caused fire and smoke damage to an area around the door after an accelerant was poured inside at around 8pm, when the building was empty.

It is the third oldest shul in Britain. Its most notable feature is an Aron Kodesh carved in wood but designed to resemble marble.

The building was restored after being damaged in a German bombing raid in 1942.