Muslim man steps in to defend Jewish diners punched in ‘racist’ attack in Baker Street

A Muslim man stepped in to defend two Jewish diners who were punched in a racially aggravated attack outside a Baker Street restaurant, police have revealed.

The two victims were followed by two masked men in their late teens or early 20s who then rushed them and unleashed a flurry of punches.

Detectives are treating the incident as a hate crime after the thugs made anti-semitic comments as they launched their attack at 5.20pm on Sunday.

A member of the Muslim community confronted the attackers who ran off after the intervention.

One of the victims is in his late 30s and the other mid 40s, police said. Their attackers were described by officers as Asian.

The attack took place on the corner of Melcombe and Glenworth streets.

The Metropolitan Police’s hate crime unit is investigating the attack.

Detective Inspector Kevin Eade said: “This behaviour has no place in our city and it will not be tolerated.

“All Londoners should be able to live free from harassment or abuse. In this case two men from the Jewish community were assaulted, but it was the intervention of someone from another faith that helped stop the assault.

“This shows that people can help and support each other, not least by confronting those who would set community against community. If anyone has information about this or any other hate crime I would urge them to come forward.”

Any witnesses or anyone with any information are asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote Cad 5162/23MAY

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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