Police have launched a manhunt after a man was filmed threatening to 'behead Jews' on a street in east London. The incident occurred on Whitechapel Road in Tower Hamlets, and the video was shared online on Friday, May 16, prompting an urgent police response.
Threats and Slurs in 'Horrific Video'
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were alerted to the video earlier on Friday afternoon. Officers attended the scene and are conducting urgent inquiries to identify the suspect. The video, described as 'horrific' by Shomrim, the Jewish community police force, includes threats of beheading and other slurs.
Shomrim (London North & East) stated in an online post that the Orthodox Jewish community is 'exceptionally concerned about these threats' and that they are working closely with the police to provide reassurance.
Police Response and Hate Crime Investigation
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'We are aware of this video, which was reported to police earlier on Friday afternoon. Officers have attended the scene and are carrying out urgent inquiries to identify the man involved. We understand that incidents like this cause significant concern and we take all reports incredibly seriously. Hate crime of any kind has no place in our communities.'
The incident follows a series of attacks on Jewish sites in London since late March. Earlier this month, it was announced that an additional 100 officers would be deployed to protect London's Jewish communities. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley previously warned of a growing 'pandemic' of anti-Semitism in the UK and called for 300 extra officers across London.
