Sussex man arrested after post urged targeting of synagogues
Police arrest follows online threats against synagogues, heightening Jewish community concern over escalating hate speech
A 44-year-old man has been arrested in Sussex after an online post appeared to call for Jewish businesses and synagogues to be targeted, prompting alarm among Jewish groups and police intervention.
Sussex Police said officers attended an address in Newhaven on Sunday afternoon after receiving reports of threatening and antisemitic comments posted on a social media account of “Michael James Brown”.
The post, which circulated widely online, appeared as a comment linked to the Brighton and Hove Palestine Solidarity Campaign and included references to attacking Jewish premises using “stink bombs” as well as throwing “ripe fruit and eggs” at synagogues.
Police confirmed the man was arrested on suspicion of sending offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing messages, using threatening words to stir up religious hatred; making threats to damage or destroy property; and possessing a class B drug. He remained in custody as of Sunday evening.
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh acknowledged the impact of such language on targeted communities.
“We acknowledge the deep distress and concern that can be caused by threatening, hateful and anti-semitic messages to members of the Jewish community, and the wider public,” he said.
“Threats of any kind are completely unacceptable, and anyone who seeks to target individuals within communities of any faith group can expect a robust response.
“A man is in custody, and we urge people not to speculate to allow our full and thorough investigation to take place.”
Jewish groups in Sussex said the incident reflected a wider pattern of escalating rhetoric directed at Jewish institutions.
Sussex Friends of Israel said: “Members of the Brighton Palestinian Solidarity Campaign seem increasingly emboldened after their door-knocking campaigns, filming businesses, and calls for Jew-free zones. We’ve already seen where this can lead – just look at the vandalism of Gail’s Bakery in London.
“Now a member of theirs has posted a so-called ‘recipe for roasted synagogue’ which remains present on their Facebook page.
“They’ve seen the post as they’ve removed subsequent replies to it, and restricted who can comment, but why would they remove it, when they actively encourage this sort of behaviour?”
The arrest comes amid heightened concern within Jewish communities about online incitement translating into real-world threats, particularly against synagogues and Jewish-owned businesses. Police said enquiries remain ongoing.
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