August M
London’s Metropolitan Police has announced the creation of a specialised unit aimed at strengthening protection for Jewish communities following a series of anti-Semitic attacks and arrests across the British capital.
The move comes after several violent incidents in recent weeks heightened concerns over community safety and prompted calls for a more coordinated police response, reports DR News.
New police unit
In a statement released Wednesday night, London police said the new team would combine neighbourhood policing, counter-terrorism resources and specialist protection capabilities.
Authorities said the initiative is intended to create a more visible and intelligence-led presence focused specifically on protecting Jewish residents across the city.
“The new unit brings together local policing, specialist protection and counter-terrorism capabilities, creating a more visible, intelligence-led and coordinated presence focused on protecting Jewish communities across London,” the police said.
The unit is expected to begin operations with around 100 additional officers.
Rising incidents
Police said approximately 50 people have been arrested in connection with anti-Semitic incidents in London during the past four weeks.
Eight of those arrested have since been formally charged, according to the force.
One of the latest incidents occurred Tuesday morning when a former synagogue in east London was set on fire in what police believe may have been an anti-Semitic attack.
Last week, two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, an area known for its large Jewish population. A 45-year-old man has since been charged with attempted murder.
Long-term strategy
Earlier this year, four ambulances belonging to the Jewish emergency service Hatzola were also set on fire in the same district.
Police said the newly formed unit will initially focus on Jewish communities but could later serve as a wider model for responding to threats against other social groups.
“A long-term, fixed model based on local teams will be far more effective than repeated emergency interventions, reducing risk and creating lasting security,” Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said in the statement.
Sources: DR News, Metropolitan Police London
