Man arrested in Salford after alleged antisemitic threats about ‘gas chambers’
Police detain a man in his 60s after alleged threats, including to 'take knives and cut your throat'
A man has been arrested after allegedly making violent antisemitic threats in Salford, including references to Nazis and gas chambers, as well as taking knives to cut your throat.
Greater Manchester Police said officers were called to Northumberland Street at around 10.37pm on Wednesday following reports that threats had been made.
According to reports shared online, the suspect allegedly threatened to “take knives and cut your throat” and shouted: “Jew leave the country, and we’ll make it like the Nazis in the gas chambers.”
Officers attended the scene and arrested a man in his 60s on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He remains in custody for questioning.
Superintendent Yanica Weir said: “We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour and intimidation against any members of our community. We will come after offenders.
“You can report a crime to us via 101 or the LiveChat function on our website at Greater Manchester Police. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
A CST spokesperson said: “We welcome the arrest following this incident, which was reported to CST and involved vile and threatening antisemitic rhetoric.
“Language of this kind is dangerous and has a serious impact on the Jewish community. Antisemitism and threats of violence must be dealt with firmly, and CST will continue to work closely with police to ensure incidents like this are treated with the seriousness they deserve.”
Marc Levy, Chief Executive at the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region, said the incident reflected growing concern within Greater Manchester’s Jewish community.
“The fact that an individual felt emboldened to engage in threats and appalling antisemitism in the heart of the Greater Manchester Jewish community is indicative of the surge in hate crime targeting Jewish people merely seeking to lead their lives,” he said.
“This regular occurrence means our demands of the government remain that we need strong action to ensure individuals are not radicalised to hate Jews in the UK.
“We are fortunate to be able to rely upon the professionalism of Greater Manchester Police, whose swift response dealt with the threat immediately.”
The arrest comes amid heightened concern over antisemitism following a series of incidents targeting Jewish communities in recent weeks, including the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, and attempted arson attacks linked to synagogues in Finchley and Kenton, as well as Hatzola ambulances and other Jewish sites in north-west London.
It also follows this week’s emergency antisemitism summit at 10 Downing Street, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer described rising antisemitism as a “national emergency” and announced increased security funding, tougher hate crime measures and new action targeting antisemitism in universities and public life.
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