Arson attack on Melbourne synagogue declared a terrorist attack

People gather outside the fire damaged Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne (Con Chronis/AAP/AP)

Australian law enforcement authorities have declared an arson attack on a synagogue last week a terrorist act in a decision that increases resources available to the investigation.

Arson squad detectives have been investigating the blaze that extensively damaged the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne on Friday.