Police are investigating an incident in which a car was allegedly driven at three Jewish schoolboys in north-west London as a religiously aggravated assault. The Metropolitan Police said the vehicle mounted the kerb where the boys, aged 14, were standing on Holders Hill Road, Barnet, at around 3.40pm on April 20. The children moved out of the way, and no injuries were reported.
Father's Account
The father of one of the boys told the BBC that dozens of children wearing kippot (skullcaps) were nearby. He described his son as “shaken, but with it” and said: “They were visibly Jewish kids. He was waiting at the lights and saw these kids and saw an opportunity.”
School and Police Response
The headteacher of Hasmonean High School for Boys sent a letter to parents regarding the police appeal for witnesses. No arrests have been made. A Met spokesperson said: “While inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances, this is currently being treated as a religiously aggravated assault. We remain in close contact with the nearby school.”
Community Protection Measures
On Wednesday, the force announced a community protection team of 100 extra officers to safeguard the Jewish community. The initial phase will be “primarily focused on protecting the Jewish community, which faces some of the highest levels of hate crime alongside significant terrorist and hostile state threats.” The team will combine neighbourhood policing, specialist protection, and counter-terrorism capabilities for a more visible and coordinated presence.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley previously stated that 300 more officers are needed to tackle rising antisemitism in London.
Appeal for Witnesses
Jewish charity the Community Security Trust (CST) urged witnesses to contact police and CST. Anyone with information should call police quoting reference 2017/24APR.
