Australia synagogue fire "likely a terrorist incident," police say as they seek suspects in Melbourne arson

Melbourne — Australian police said Monday they are hunting for three suspects over an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue, designating it a terrorist act. Mask-wearing attackers set the Adass Israel Synagogue ablaze before dawn on Friday, police said, gutting much of the building. Some congregants were inside the single-story building at the time but no serious injuries were reported.

The fire sparked international condemnation, including from Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Police have "three suspects in that matter, who we are pursuing," Victorian police chief commissioner Shane Patton told a news conference.