In a shocking incident captured on CCTV, two Jewish children narrowly escaped an attempted kidnap on Thursday, June 13, a date that coincided with the Jewish holiday of Shavuos. The attack occurred at 11:56 BST outside Lubavitch House, a prominent community centre in Stamford Hill, N16.
The footage, which has been widely circulated on social media, shows the terrifying moments as an unidentified assailant tried to snatch a baby and a young child in broad daylight. The children, part of the local Jewish community, were with their family when the attack occurred.
Local law enforcement, represented by @MPSHackney, and the community safety organization, @Shomrim, have launched an urgent appeal for the victim to come forward. They are also seeking further witnesses who might have additional information or footage of the incident.
A spokesperson for Shomrim, a volunteer Jewish neighbourhood watch group, stated, “This is a deeply disturbing incident that has shaken our community. We urge anyone who saw anything or has any information to contact us or the police immediately.”
The incident has sparked outrage and fear among Stamford Hill’s Jewish residents, with many expressing concerns about their safety. Witnesses to the attack believe it was racially motivated, pointing to a troubling rise in anti-Semitic incidents in the area.
The Metropolitan Police have assured the public that they are treating the case with utmost seriousness and have increased patrols in the area to provide reassurance to the community.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Hackney Police or Shomrim immediately.
