Montreal police’s arson unit is investigating a fire at the The Congregation Beth Tikvah, a synagogue and Jewish community centre located in the West Island.
The fire was minor and police officers put it out with a fire extinguisher shortly after arriving at the scene.
According to police, a 911 call was placed just before 3 a.m. on Wednesday about a fire that had just started at a place of worship near the corner of Westpark and Roger-Pilon streets in Dollard-des-Ormeaux.
Police say one incendiary device was found at the scene and witnesses have told them they saw a suspect fleeing the scene. The damages were minor — some broken glass and some damage to the synagogue’s front door.
A security perimeter has been set up and officers are being sent to the area to patrol.
Last year, in November, Montreal police’s arson team was also deployed to that intersection. Remnants of molotov cocktails were found at the synagogue and a second small fire ignited at the back door of the Federation CJA building on Roger-across the street from the synagogue.
