London to up police presence in Jewish areas after video of antisemitic convoy
LONDON — More police will be deployed to the streets of Jewish areas in London, Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Monday, after four people were arrested for allegedly shouting antisemitic abuse.
“There are a number of things we are doing to reassure Londoners, particularly those from Jewish communities,” Khan told ITV, as he announced an “increased police presence.”
Officers are investigating a video circulating on social media, in which “F*** their mothers, rape their daughters” can be heard being shouted from a car in north London yesterday, and have made four arrests.
The car was traveling in a convoy of vehicles decorated with Palestinian flags. The Community Security Trust, a Jewish watchdog and security group, linked the incident to anti-Israel protests held in London by pro-Palestinian protesters amid the ongoing fighting in Gaza between Israel and Hamas terror group.
The men were detained on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offenses.
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“This behavior was utterly shocking and will not be tolerated,” said Superintendent Jo Edwards.
“I understand that this would have caused considerable concern within the community.”
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there was “no place” for antisemitism in Britain, leading widespread condemnation of the incident, which came before the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.
“Whenever there is tension in the Middle East and violence it can spill over into our city,” Khan said.