Public menorahs in London damaged, in apparent hate crimes; police investigating

Police in London are investigating several incidents of apparent vandalism of menorahs as possible hate crimes, the Jewish News reports.

Incidents in Notting Hill, Muswell Hill and West Hampstead are all being probed, according to the report.

Metropolitan Police Superintendent Owen Renowden notes: “This has been a tremendously difficult week for the Jewish community following the terror attack in Australia at the weekend, and I appreciate how these hate crime incidents will cause further hurt and distress.”

The candles on the menorah smashed to bits in Muswell Hill, north London, just days after the appalling atrocities in Bondi. The evil scourge of anti-semitism has been allowed to fester for far too long in both the UK and Australia. It must be eradicated. #HappyChanukah pic.twitter.com/J2bE2Ft6DM

— Jason Groves (@jasongroves) December 18, 2025

“We are treating these reports extremely seriously and will update further when we can,” he says.

The superintendent notes that the police are cooperating with local partners, including religious leaders, and that additional patrols have been put in place.

He encourages anyone with information to aid in the investigation to come forward.

Menorah vandalised this morning in West Hampstead London

Stop the Haters #Antisemitism pic.twitter.com/eIojqEejkY

— Paul Charney (@paulcharney) December 15, 2025