Scotland Yard is investigating a volunteer police officer over claims he sought to intimidate Al Jazeera journalists covering a suspected antisemitic hate crime in Golders Green, north-west London. David Soffer, who was off duty at the time, has been referred to the Metropolitan Police's Directorate of Professional Standards.
The incident occurred on Monday amid heightened tensions in the area, which has a large Jewish population. Journalists were covering an arson attack on four ambulances belonging to Hatzola, the community ambulance service. The Press Association reported that a group of around 50 people surrounded the Al Jazeera crew, shouting “go home” and accusing them of “terrorist propaganda”.
Footage identified by the investigative outlet Declassified UK showed Soffer approaching one of the Al Jazeera journalists, who is Palestinian, and calling him a “dog” and a “donkey” in Arabic. He was also heard to say “Go back to Qatar” and “Get out of here, you donkey”.
The Met Police said officers had intervened but recognised that journalists were “put in a difficult situation”, which led them to leave the area. The force added that it would review the footage to identify whether any offences had been committed. It confirmed that an off-duty serving special constable was involved and that the matter had been referred for assessment.
Separately, two men arrested in connection with the arson attack have been released on bail. The men, aged 47 and 45 and both UK nationals, were arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. They have been bailed until April while inquiries continue, with searches carried out at addresses in Kilburn, King's Cross and two other locations in north-west London.
