Syeda Khatun, 39, has been convicted following an antisemitic attack outside a Jewish school in north London. She directed antisemitic abuse at children and assaulted a man who confronted her.
Details of the Attack
The incident occurred on May 10, 2026, when Khatun approached a group of children waiting outside the school gates after a school trip. She shouted antisemitic abuse at a mother and baby, then turned on the children, swinging her arms aggressively. A father of one of the child victims confronted her, and she struck his face and pulled his beard while continuing to direct antisemitic slurs.
Conviction and Sentencing
Following a trial at Stratford Magistrates' Court on Friday, Khatun was found guilty of three counts of racially aggravated assault, one count of racially aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and one count of racially aggravated words and behaviour causing harassment, alarm, or distress. She will be sentenced on July 24 at Thames Magistrates' Court.
Prosecutor's Statement
Ragvesh Singh, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North, said: "This was a shocking attack where Syeda Khatun targeted people with antisemitic abuse in a public place, including children who were waiting outside their school. When challenged about her behaviour, she went on to assault a member of the public while continuing to make antisemitic remarks. Violence motivated by antisemitic hatred is abhorrent and nobody should have to fear going about their daily life because of their race, religion or identity. I hope this outcome reassures the public, particularly the Jewish community, that hate crime will be prosecuted robustly and offenders will be brought to justice."
Police Response
Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who leads policing in the area, said: "This was a despicable assault on young members of our Jewish community in Stamford Hill. We take incidents of this nature extremely seriously. Officers were on scene within minutes of the assault being reported to police. Detectives then worked with the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure Khatun was charged and before the courts two days after the incident. We understand that concerns remain high within London’s Jewish communities. The Met continues to have an enhanced policing plan in place that focuses our resource around vulnerable areas to protect communities, disrupt offenders and tackle crime."
Rise in Antisemitic Incidents
There has been a rise in antisemitic attacks in London in recent months, including the alleged attempted murder of two Jewish men and the firebombing of ambulances operated by Jewish volunteer service Hatzola, both in Golders Green, north London. In April, 140 antisemitic hate crimes were logged in London, compared to 98 in March and 67 in February. The Met Police recently announced a "community protection" team of 100 officers to tackle anti-Jewish hate crime and safeguard the Jewish community.
