Dorset Police have launched an investigation into a series of antisemitic hate crimes in Bournemouth, including an incident in which a teenage boy was shot in the forehead with an air rifle. The attacks have prompted increased patrols in the seaside town's Jewish community.
The shooting occurred on Saturday afternoon in the East Cliff neighbourhood. Two people were walking along a street when a passing driver allegedly instigated a verbal altercation before firing the airgun at the teenager. The boy, who has not been named, sustained swelling to his forehead but is said to be recovering well.
Separately, at least four reports of swastika graffiti were made overnight on Friday, including on the home of local rabbi Bentzion Alperowitz. The rabbi discovered the symbol on the side of his house as he was heading to synagogue with his two young daughters on Saturday morning. He described the graffiti as 'very upsetting and alarming' but vowed not to be intimidated, stating, 'We will continue to live as proud Jews here in Bournemouth.'
Members of the local Jewish community, which numbers about 1,600, quickly helped clean off the swastika. Dorset Police have said they take hate crime extremely seriously and are conducting a full investigation. Officers are carrying out inquiries and patrolling the area, and the public has been urged to come forward with information.
The attacks follow a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across the UK since the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent war in Gaza. According to the Community Security Trust, there were 5,583 antisemitic incidents recorded between October 2023 and October 2024, a 204% increase on the previous year.
