An American man yesterday became the fourth person to be arrested in connection with two arson attacks on Crete’s only remaining synagogue, the Etz Hayyim in Hania.

A 24-year-old local man and two Britons aged 23 and 33 were arrested last week on suspicion of being part of a group of five men that took part in the raids.

The American man arrested yesterday was also aged 24 and has been living in Hania for the last few months, working in various jobs. Another American, thought to have fled to Italy, is also wanted in connection with the attacks.

The two Britons deny any involvement in the incidents but sources said that British police are checking whether they were involved with any extremist organizations in their own country. The American is due to face a prosecutor on Thursday while the other three suspects are expected in court today.

The synagogue suffered extensive damage but its director Nicholas Stavroulakis has pledged to restore the building.