The Metropolitan Police has announced heightened police patrols across London in response to reports of individuals seemingly celebrating the recent attack on Israel by Hamas. The force stated that it became aware of several incidents in the capital, some of which were shared on social media, related to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.

Concerns over threatening behavior prompted the police to urge those worried about their safety to contact law enforcement. The statement acknowledged the potential for protests in the coming days due to the ongoing conflict, assuring that an “appropriate policing plan” would be in place to balance the right to protest with minimising disruption to Londoners.

The call for increased police presence came after immigration minister Robert Jenrick urged the Metropolitan Police to intervene. Jenrick responded to a video shared by Countdown presenter Rachel Riley, where she observed people in West London seemingly celebrating with Palestinian flags. Riley expressed concern, stating, “Make no mistake, this is a dangerous and terrifying time for all Jews around the world.”

In a subsequent video, Riley captured scenes of people waving Palestinian flags, beeping car horns, and clapping in Acton. She emphasised the seriousness of the situation and urged anyone feeling scared to contact the police. Minister of State for Immigration Robert Jenrick echoed these concerns on social media, condemning those glorifying the actions of Hamas and expressing confidence in the Metropolitan Police taking the matter seriously.