London Police Launch New Team to Safeguard Jewish Communities After Attacks
Police Response and Community Protection Measures
Formation of the New Police Team
LONDON, May 6 (Reuters) - British police are setting up a new team of 100 officers including counter terrorism specialists to help protect Jewish communities across London after a series of antisemitic attacks including the stabbing of two men.
Details of the Protection Plan
The plan announced on Wednesday for a dedicated protection team comes as officers announced more arrests for antisemitism, including detaining a 35-year old man on Saturday after rocks were thrown at an ambulance belonging to the Jewish community.
Threats Facing Jewish Communities
London's top police boss Mark Rowley said Jewish communities were facing "sustained threats" from hostile state actors as well as extreme right-wing groups, elements of the extreme left and Islamist terrorists.
Investigation into Arson Attacks
Detectives are examining whether the arson incidents have possible Iranian links, after British security officials warned that Iran was using criminal proxies to carry out hostile activity.
Recent Incidents and Arrests
Since late March, there have been a number of high-profile arson attacks with four Jewish ambulances burned and synagogues targeted. Last week, two Jewish men were also stabbed. Both victims survived the attack.
Over the past four weeks, police said they had arrested around 50 people for antisemitic hate crimes and charged eight individuals. On top of that, 28 arrests have been made as part of investigations alongside counter terrorism policing for arson and other serious incidents.
Official Statements and Government Response
"This new team will be primarily focused on protecting the Jewish community, which faces some of the highest levels of hate crime alongside significant terrorist and hostile state threats," said a statement from London's Metropolitan Police force.
Prime Minister's Initiative Against Antisemitism
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened a meeting on Monday with business, health and cultural leaders aimed at trying to tackle antisemitism.
(Reporting by Sarah Young; Editing by Kate Holton)
