Hunt intensifies for man linked to five assaults on Jews in Stamford Hill
Muslim Council of Britain urges local groups to 'do all they can to help police in identifying' him as Shomrim works 'full-out' to assist authorities
The hunt for a man linked to FIVE assaults against Orthodox Jews in Stamford Hill intensified this week with Muslim leaders urging their communities to help bring the perpetrator to justice.
Detectives issued new CCTV images of a man they want to speak to over a series of attacks, including against a 64-year-old man who was punched and knocked unconscious.
The assault on Jacob Lipchitz was one of five unprovoked attacks in Stamford Hill on 18 August. Other victims include a 30-year-old Jewish man who was struck on the head with a bottle in Cazenove Road at around 6.41pm and a 14-year-old Jewish boy was assaulted in Holmdale Terrace at around 7.10pm.
Officers say they have been informed of fourth and fifth victims, but neither have made an official allegation.
The Muslim Council of Britain told Jewish News: “These attacks are shocking and completely unacceptable. We cannot tolerate any such hatred in our society.
“Muslims and Jews have excellent relations in Hackney. We hope they and other local residents will do all they can to help the police in identifying the perpetrator and bring him to justice.”
Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Zara Mohammed, condemning the attack on 64-year-old Jacob Lipchitz:
This is shocking and completely unacceptable, I hope the perpetrators will be brought to justice and the victims swift healing
We cannot tolerate any such hatred in our society https://t.co/osCBKMKDbk— Zara Mohammed (@ZaraM01) August 23, 2021
On Tuesday, the Met said CCTV footage confirmed the man they want to locate stayed at a hostel in Seven Sisters Road, Hackney, between Tuesday 17 August and Thursday 19 August.
Detective Chief Inspector Yasmin Lalani, senior investigating officer, said: “We remain determined to identify the man responsible for these unprovoked attacks.
“As a result of our investigation, we now know that the man captured on CCTV was staying in a hostel. Were you there at the same time? Do you know anything that might help us? I would encourage anyone with information to call police. I would also urge this man to come forward and speak with us.”
The Community Security Trust and Shomrim, a neighbourhood watch group, backed the police’s renewed appeal to find the perpetrator.
Shomrim president Rabbi Herschel Gluck said it was “working full-out to facilitate the arrest of the perpetrator of the recent spate of antisemitic attacks” in addition to enhancing security with extra patrols and measures.
“The enduring friendships [between the Muslim and Jewish communities in Hackney] and great working relationships should never be underestimated.”
Lipchitz told Jewish News last week the attacker was “not representative of the Muslim community”, adding: “It will not affect one iota my feelings about the local Muslim community.”
- If you recognise the man in the images, or witnessed any of the assaults and are yet to speak with officers, call 101 quoting reference 4492/20AUG, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
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