Herts police appeal for witnesses after arson attack on Jewish owned shop in Watford
The attack is being treated as religiously aggravated
Hertfordshire police are investigating an arson attack against a Jewish-owned business in Watford which took place on Sunday afternoon, confirming that “the incident is being treated as religiously aggravated”.
Police confirmed that that “Between 4.15pm and 4.20pm on Sunday (19 April), a fire door was set alight at a Jewish-owned shop in Lower High Street. Graffiti was also left behind.”
The police also said that “at this time, it is believed to be isolated and not linked to the offences in London”. In the last week, two Synagogues – Finchley Reform and Kenton United – as well as the former site of the Jewish Futures charity, have been targeted by arsonists.
Detective Superintendent Mark Clawson said: “Firstly, I would like to make it clear that we do not tolerate hate crime in our communities in Hertfordshire. We are working hard to find the person(s) responsible.
“I am keen to hear from any witnesses or anyone with information. This includes those who might have mobile phone footage of the incident or offender(s). I would also like anyone in the area with a dashcam or doorbell camera to please check their footage and get in touch if you spot anything that might help.
“In particular, I am especially keen to trace a group of young males who were seen in the area around the time of the incident. If you were one of these people, or think you know who they may be, please get in touch.”
A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “This is the fourth report of an arson attack on a Jewish space in the past week alone…This is simply untenable.
“Arson attacks on the Jewish community appear to happen at a daily rate. Who, or what, will be burnt next? We are running out of time to find out, and swift action is urgently needed. We must start with banning Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.”
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