Drunken Mob Attacks London Synagogue Shouting 'Kill the Jews'

Police say it doesn't appear the anti-Semitic incident was planned.

ByABC News
March 22, 2015, 2:53 PM

LONDON — -- A group of roughly 20 men and women entered a London synagogue early today, shouting "Kill the Jews," attacking the young worshippers inside and smashing windows.

The shocking attack on the the Stamford Hill synagogue has led to six arrests today, on suspicion of public order offences and assault, police said.

Young worshippers had been celebrating the end of the sabbath at the Ahavas Torah synagogue and were forced to defend themselves with chairs. One young man was allegedly beaten outside the synagogue, before being chased inside.

A graphic video has emerged on Youtube capturing part of the incident, which London police are treating as "an anti-Semitic incident" as a result of the comment made by members of the group.

The London police said there was no evidence the attack was either planned or targeted, and said it appeared the attackers had walked to the synagogue from a house party nearby.

"There is no suggestion that this was a far-right or extremist attack but rather the completely unacceptable actions of a drunken group," the Metropolitan police said in a statement.

"We are investigating to establish the full circumstances of the incident and to identify anyone else involved in the disturbance who has not yet been arrested, Inspector Jonathan Waterfield said. "We have also increased police patrols in the Stamford Hill area to provide reassurance to the community."