D
etectives investigating a string of unprovoked attacks on Jewish people in east London have released new CCTV of a man they want to speak to in connection with the assaults.
On Friday officers visited synagogues and mosques in the Stamford Hill area of Hackney to hand out appeal leaflets featuring the man’s image.
It follows a 30-year-old man being hit with a bottle in Cazenove Road on August 18 at about at 6.40pm. Just 30 minutes later a teenage boy, aged 14, was attacked in Holmdale Terrace.
At 8.30pm on Stamford Hill a 64-year-old man was hit in the face and pushed to the floor, breaking a bone in his foot. Two other victims have not yet contacted police, a Met spokesman said.
Senior figures from both the local Jewish and Muslim communities have condemned the attacks.
READ MORE
Detective Chief Inspector Yasmin Lalani said: “The attacks have caused considerable shock and concern from both communities.
“All of the victims reported that the man approached without warning and assaulted them before quickly leaving.
“He is not reported to have said anything. We retain an open mind behind the motive but the reported incidents are being treated as hate crimes.
“Clearly his pattern of behaviour is very unusual and concerning and we are doing everything we can to trace him.
“Efforts to trace a fourth suspected victim continue amid news that there was a fifth victim, who is now believed to be out of the country. We are working to get in touch with them.”
Police said the new CCTV image of the man was taken in Cazenove Road. Detectives believe he is not local to the area and speaks with a northern accent.
DCI Lalani added: “We have recovered some CCTV capturing an apparent interaction between the man and shop staff in Seven Sisters Road which appears to indicate that the man may speak with a northern accent – possibly Yorkshire.
“While this is a very new development, I am urging communities in those areas to look closely at the pictures we have released, which are of very good quality, and tell us immediately if they recognise the man.”
Rabbi Herschel Gluck OBE, president of Shomrim North and East London, added:“The Muslim community in Hackney stands together with the Jewish community.
“The enduring friendships and great working relationships should never be underestimated. These will definitely continue, whatever challenges are faced.”
Anyone who recognises the man, or who witnessed any of the assaults, can call police on 101 quoting reference 4492/20AUG. To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/cctv-anti-semitic-attacks-jewish-community-hackney-london-stamford-hill-b952744.html
