The Metropolitan Police said the incident “raised serious concern and upset the Jewish community.” The force said members of the public bravely intervened before officers arrived at the scene.
Tuesday 30th January 2024 20:41, UK
Police say a man has appeared in court after an alleged hate crime involving a knife left the Jewish community “upset”.
Gabriel Abdullah, 34, was charged with assault and battery. Possession of a knife in a public place after the incident in Hamilton Road, Golders Green, at around 1.30pm on Monday.
The Metropolitan Police said it was alerted to “reports of a man with a knife” and members of the public intervened before officers arrived at the scene.
The force added that the suspect was arrested within 10 minutes of the police being alerted.
Chief Superintendent Sarah Leach is in charge of policing in the North West. Londonsaid the incident “understandably caused serious concern and upset our Jewish community.”
He added: “Let me be clear: this matter is being treated as a hate crime and we are dedicating significant resources to the investigation…”
“I would like to pay tribute to the members of the public who bravely intervened before police arrived.”
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The Metropolitan Police Department’s Counter-Terrorism Command conducted a thorough investigation into the incident, but it is not being treated as a terrorism investigation.
Cllr Supt Leach said: “We have carried out additional patrols in Golders Green in recent months and will increase patrols in the future in light of this incident.”
Mr Abdullah, from Golders Green, appeared at Willesden Green Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
He was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing at Harrow Crown Court on February 27.