Police to step up presence in UK Jewish communities

Police in the UK will put more officers into Jewish communities after yesterday’s antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi beach in Australia.

- GEORGE LITHGOW

Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights also known as Chanukah, began last night, with celebrations planned across Britain in the coming days. The Metropolitan Police will increase patrols around synagogues and other community venues, and Hertfordshire Constabulary said it would have a visible presence at key events in the county following the attack in Sydney, which left 16 people dead and 40 injured.

In a statement, the Met said: “While there is no information to suggest any link between the attack in Sydney and the threat level in London, this morning we are stepping up our police presence, carrying out additional community patrols and engaging with the Jewish community to understand what more we can do in the coming hours and days.

“We always encourage the public to be vigilant at events and in public places. If you see anything suspicious, trust your instincts and tell us.”