West Midlands Police has increased patrols at key Jewish locations across the region following a terror incident in London where two Jewish men were stabbed. The force confirmed on April 30 that it would step up its presence at places of worship to provide reassurance.
Incident in Golders Green
Two Jewish men, Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, were stabbed shortly after 11am on April 29 in Golders Green, north London. Counter terrorism police stated that the men sustained stab wounds and are receiving hospital treatment. Metropolitan Police officers who responded to the incident were also attacked, leading to the Tasering and arrest of a 45-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder. The attack has been declared a terrorist incident.
Police Response
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "We've increased our patrols at key Jewish locations and this will continue. While it's important to stress there is no specific intelligence or information about a threat within the West Midlands, we know communities here are understandably anxious and concerned by events in London. We are listening to those concerns and have put in additional reassurance patrols."
National Context
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, noted that one line of enquiry is whether the attack deliberately targeted the Jewish community. He added: "That community are strong, but they will be incredibly concerned to see and hear what has happened today, particularly in the wake of other incidents in recent weeks. That concern will be felt not just in the capital, but in communities and homes across the UK." He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
