Faeces daubed on synagogues and school targeted in ‘antisemitic attacks’

Faeces have been smeared on several synagogues and a Jewish school in London.

Criminal damage was first reported at a place of worship in Golders Green last Wednesday.

The same offence was committed again overnight on Thursday and then Sunday, with the suspect targeting routes used by those attending prayers.

A school in the area also reported an attack involving urine at 2am this morning.

CCTV footage of the incidents showed a man wearing shorts and a hooded jacket pouring a substance onto the walls of synagogues.

Neighbourhood watch group Shomrim said it was working with the school affected and that ‘necessary precautions’ had been taken to protect the children.

It said in a statement: ‘This is the fourth deliberate and targeted antisemitic act by the same suspect in just over a week.

‘It is appalling that our community’s synagogues, homes, and now a school have been desecrated in a similar way.

‘We are working tirelessly with police to ensure the individual is caught and held to account, and we are supporting all those affected.’

DI Tony Bellis, who is leading a Met investigation into the incidents, said: ‘This is a revolting and appalling act and we are urging the public to help us locate those responsible as soon as possible.

‘We are very aware of how distressing this must have been for those who use the synagogues. We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour.

‘We are actively engaging with the local community and remain in discussion with community partners and key stakeholders to provide reassurance and support.

‘Detectives from my Community Safety Unit are working at pace to identify the suspect.

‘Please speak to a local officer with any concerns you have.’

The Campaign Against Antisemitism said: ‘This is what the Jewish community in Britain is facing right now.

‘Imagine turning up to you place of worship, only to discover that it has been desecrated in such a depraved way.

‘Those committing these grotesque and abhorrent acts must face the full force of the law without hesitation.’

The spate of incidents comes after thousands gathered in central London on Sunday for a protest against antisemitism.

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis told attendees that British Jews are living through ‘awful times’.

He said: ‘We have seen an explosion of hated right across the UK. Antisemitism is rife right across the UK. You will see it. You will hear it. You will feel it.’

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