Police Hunt Suspect in Antisemitic Assault on Jewish Schoolboys
Police are searching for a suspect after three 14-year-old Jewish schoolboys were verbally abused and two were physically assaulted on a north London bus in what authorities are investigating as an antisemitic hate crime. The Metropolitan Police received a report at approximately 8:16 a.m. on September 10 that the teenagers were attacked while traveling on the number 240 bus near Sanders Lane in Mill Hill, within the Barnet borough. All three boys told investigators they were subjected to verbal abuse, while two reported being physically assaulted. Police have not disclosed the specific words allegedly used or provided details of the reported physical attacks. The case is being investigated by officers from the Metropolitan Police's Community Protection Team. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, said investigators believe the suspect is a white British man and that efforts to locate him are ongoing. "The Met will not tolerate antisemitism in any form, and we will respond robustly to any and all offences that occur," Williams stated. He added that Jewish communities have the right to observe the upcoming High Holy Days without fear.