Yahoo News Police release images of three men after ‘anti-Semitic attack’ on Oxford Street bus
Detectives have released images of three men they are keen to identify after a group of Jewish people suffered anti-Semitic abuse as they celebrated Hanukkah.
At around 8pm on Monday, a group approached a privately hired bus and allegedly directed abuse of an anti-Semitic nature toward the passengers.
Video of the incident, which took place on Oxford Street, appears to show a group of men shouting threats, spitting, hurling abuse and banging on the bus’s windows.
Some of those involved appear to remove their shoes - with a man banging one against the window.
Others could be heard swearing at those inside bus, which was near the Marble Arch end of Oxford Street when the incident took place.
The victims were marking the first day of Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday, when the abuse started. It is being treated as a hate crime by police.
The Prime Minister said on Thursday the video was “disturbing”.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan also voiced his disgust at the abuse, saying antisemitism had “no place whatsoever in society”.
This year is set to be the worst on record for antisemitism in London.
On Monday a group of Jewish teenagers celebrating Chanukah faced unprovoked abuse.
I spoke to 2 of them for @itvlondon. Watch from 6.
This video was taken just before. You can see a scene of joy. pic.twitter.com/mUEzMyCTQr— Sam Holder (@samholdertv) December 2, 2021
Police met with the bus at Grosvenor Place to speak with the passengers about the incident and to check on their welfare. There were no reports of any injuries.
In addition, officers would like to identify a woman who was present shortly before the incident occurred. She is described as being aged 25-30, dark skinned with long black hair.
DI Kevin Eade of the Met’s Central West Command said: “This was a deeply upsetting incident for a community group who were celebrating the Jewish festival, Hanukkah.
“There is no place in our city for hate crime. Everyone should be able to enjoy their lives without harassment and I urge anyone who can name the individuals pictured to contact police without delay.”
Anyone who can name the males pictured or who has information or footage relating to the incident can call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 6184/29Nov.
Alternatively call the Charring Cross Hate Crime Unit direct on 07900 608 252.
To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.
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