A man has been arrested on suspicion of an antisemitic hate crime after allegedly shouting threats at Jewish passengers on a bus in east London. The incident occurred on the number 254 bus in Hackney on Thursday afternoon, when the suspect began hurling abuse and threats.
Details of the incident
According to Shomrim, London's Jewish volunteer security patrol service, the man reportedly shouted, 'Shame Hitler didn't kill you' and 'you should all go in the gas chambers.' He also threatened to kill Jewish children and claimed to be carrying a knife. The bus driver activated the emergency button after the incident at the Jessam Avenue bus stop on Upper Clapton Road. Members of the public intervened, and Shomrim thanked the driver and eyewitnesses for their actions.
Police response
A 50-year-old man was arrested shortly after the incident on suspicion of making threats to kill. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated: 'Police were called at 15:51hrs on Thursday, 7 May following reports that a man on a bus on Upper Clapton Road was making threats. Officers attended and arrested a 50-year-old man on suspicion of making threats to kill and an offence under Section 4A of the Public Order Act. He remains in police custody. Officers searched the male and no weapon was found. The Met takes incidents of this nature incredibly seriously. The incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime and our enquiries continue.'
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 5358/7MAY, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Transport for London's stance
Siwan Hayward, TfL’s director of security, policing and enforcement, said: 'We are absolutely appalled by this report. No-one should ever have to fear or experience abuse when using our network. We take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of hate crime, and work with the police to pursue anyone who is abusive to our customers or staff. We are supporting the police with their investigation, alongside the bus operator, who’ll supply footage from the CCTV cameras, which all buses are equipped with. We encourage anyone who experienced or witnessed this incident to contact the police.'
