Police arrest man suspected of trying twice to torch shop in Jerusalem market

Police have arrested a man suspected of trying twice to set fire to a shop in Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehuda market earlier this week, law enforcement announces.

The first arson attempt took place Sunday, when the suspect allegedly set fire to cardboard near the shop in an attempt to burn it down.

Later that night, the same individual was said to have thrown a Molotov cocktail at the business, causing minor damage. No injuries were reported, police say.

Officers arrived at the suspect’s home days later and arrested him alongside a second individual, though it is unclear what the second person is suspected of.

The motive is likely related to a dispute between the alleged arsonist and an employee at the business, police add.

Both suspects will remain in police custody until September 5, at the order of a judge in the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court.