Six arrested after violent attack on Stamford Hill synagogue

Ahavas Torah_460

Synagogue Yeshivas Ahavas Torah on Craven Park Road before the attack took place.

Six arrests were made after a group of around 20 people attacked a synagogue in Stamford Hill last night.

The attack took place at around 1am when the group, believed to have left a nearby house party, tried to break into the Yeshivas Ahavas Torah synagogue on Craven Park Road.

Police said they are treating it as an “anti-Semitic incident” because of remarks made by one of the group, but that there is “nothing to suggest” the synagogue was singled out for attack.

One man who tried to prevent people from entering the synagogue was treated at the scene for facial injuries, according to police.

Increased patrols

The police said the incident was likely the “completely unacceptable actions of a drunken group”.

Inspector Jonathan Waterfield said: “We are investigating to establish the full circumstances of the incident and to identify anyone else involved in the disturbance who has not yet been arrested.

“We have also increased police patrols in the Stamford Hill area to provide reassurance to the community.”

Four men and two women, all in their late teens, were arrested for public order offences and assault. All were taken to a north London police station where they remain in custody.

Volunteers from the Jewish neighbourhood patrol group Shomrim provided assistance to attending officers, helping with statements and the recovery of local CCTV footage.