London ups police presence as men held for ‘anti-Semitic abuse’

Sadiq Khan gives his acceptance speech after being declared the winner of the London Mayoral election at City Hall in London on May 8, 2021, winning his second term as London mayor. – Khan has said his priority for a second term will be “jobs, jobs, jobs” as he bids to keep London on its perch as a top world city while tackling the crisis and the fallout from Brexit, which could threaten the capital’s vital financial sector. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)

LONDON — More police will be deployed to the streets of Jewish areas in London, mayor Sadiq Khan said on Monday, after four people were arrested for allegedly shouting anti-Semitic abuse and threats during a pro-Palestinian protest.

“There are a number of things we are doing to reassure Londoners, particularly those from Jewish communities,” Khan told ITV, as he announced an “increased police presence”.

Officers investigating a video circulating on social media, which appeared to show anti-Semitic abuse being shouted from a car in north London on Sunday, made four arrests.

The car was traveling in a convoy of vehicles decorated with Palestinian flags, one of several protests held across Britain over the weekend in response the worst violence in years between Israel and Palestinian militants.

The men were detained on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offenses.

“This behavior was utterly shocking and will not be tolerated,” said Superintendent Jo Edwards.

“I understand that this would have caused considerable concern within the community.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there was “no place” for anti-Semitism in Britain, leading widespread condemnation of the protest.

“Whenever there is tension in the Middle East and violence it can spill over into our city,” said Khan.