Three Jewish adults were shot with a BB gun from a speeding car in a suspected religiously aggravated attack in Salford, Greater Manchester. The incident occurred at about 10pm on Monday July 20 on Leicester Road. Victims suffered minor injuries after being targeted from the passing vehicle.
Police treat shooting as hate crime
Greater Manchester Police are treating the shooting as a hate crime directed at the Jewish community. Shomrim Greater Manchester, the local Jewish neighbourhood watch patrol, played a key role in the breakthrough. Volunteers accessed CCTV footage along the route, identified the vehicle registration number, and assisted GMP, leading to the swift arrest of two suspects on suspicion of religiously aggravated common assault. The pair remain in custody for questioning.
Community Security Trust warns of escalation
Community Security Trust (CAA) Director of Investigations Stephen Silverman expressed alarm at the escalation. He said: “Last summer, in an unrelated incident two men filmed themselves firing a water gun from their car at Jewish passersby. Now it has escalated to real injuries from a BB gun. What will be next?”
Mr Silverman continued: “While we thank Greater Manchester Police for their professionalism in apprehending suspects, our message to the Government is that its extra spending on policing to protect British Jews is not the solution. Rampant extremism and Jew-hatred must be tackled at source, including the use of a conflict thousands of miles away to inflame hatred here in Britain.”
He added: “We are extremely grateful to the volunteers of Shomrim Greater Manchester for their remarkable diligence and we wish the victims a full and speedy recovery. Swift justice will be a first step to restoring deterrence for these sorts of crimes. But it is still no substitute for the political and societal leadership that we desperately need to confront the antisemitic and extremist ideologies plaguing this country, with Jews paying the highest cost.”
GMP confirms arrests and commitment to safety
GMP confirmed the arrests and stressed its commitment to community safety. A spokesman said: “Threats to our communities will not be tolerated and we’re continuing to enhance our security in Jewish communities across Greater Manchester to help keep them safe on our streets.”
Police appealed for further information. The spokesman added: “Anyone who has information that may assist police enquiries, please contact police via 101, or via LiveChat at gmp.police.uk, and quote log 3864 of 20/07/26. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The attack has heightened fears in the local Jewish community. Mr Silverman’s warning reflects broader concerns about rising antisemitic incidents, with community patrols like Shomrim increasingly vital in identifying suspects through their own CCTV efforts. Detectives continue to review evidence and have not yet released further details about the suspects.
