London police hunt for man suspected of smearing feces on synagogues, other Jewish sites
Cops say CCTV footage shows single suspect behind the recent antisemitic vandalism, which is being investigated as religiously-motivated criminal damage
LONDON — UK police said Thursday that officers investigating a series of antisemitic incidents in north London are hunting a single suspect, as they appealed for help tracing the man.
The British capital’s Metropolitan Police said seven Jewish premises, including four synagogues, had been targeted in the separate incidents over recent weeks.
The synagogues and a private residence in Golders Green had feces smeared on them, while urine was thrown toward a school and over a car in two other instances.
The offenses are being investigated as religiously-motivated criminal damage, with CCTV footage showing one suspect was likely behind all seven, the force said.
It released an image and CCTV footage of the man being sought.
“These are revolting and appalling acts and we are urging the public to help us identify the perpetrator,” Detective Superintendent Katie Harber, leading the investigation, said in a statement.
“We are very aware of how distressing these offenses have been for those who have been targeted. We will not tolerate this kind of behavior.”
The UK has seen an increased number of antisemitic incidents in recent years, with a spike since the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel, and resulting war in Gaza.
Jewish charity the Community Security Trust (CST) recorded 1,521 antisemitic incidents in the first six months of the year, down from a record high of 2,019 incidents in the first half of 2024.
However, this year’s number was the second-highest on record, according to the charity, which has monitored antisemitism in Britain since 1984.