The number of police officers deployed in Jewish communities across Salford has been increased after two men were stabbed in northwest London in a suspected terror attack.
Two Jewish men, Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Ben Baila, 76, were taken to hospital after being knifed within minutes of each other in Golders Green by a suspect with “serious violence and mental health issues” who had previously been referred to the Government’s counter-extremism programme.
The attack by the British national born in Somalia comes after a spate of incidents targeting Jewish communities across the country, including the harrowing attack on a Manchester synagogue where two Jewish people were killed and three left in a serious condition in October.
In the aftermath of the attack on the Crumpsall synagogue by knifed-wielding terrorist Jihad al Shamie, Greater Manchester Police stepped up the number of officers deployed in Jewish communities in Salford to provide a “high-visibility” presence.
Following the attack in Golders Green on Wednesday, GMP confirmed they have increased the number of officers patrolling in Salford. This precaution remains in place a day on from the incident.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We are aware of the events in Golders Green in north London. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the incident, particularly those in the Jewish community in that area.
“The safety of everyone remains our highest priority. We have deployed extra patrols around the city-region, with a particular focus on providing a high-visibility presence within our Jewish communities in north Manchester, Bury and Salford.”
The GMP spokesperson added: “If you have any worries or concerns, please report them to us by calling 999 in an emergency or 101. You can also make a report online using our ‘Live Chat’ tool on our website, which can be found at www.gmp.police.uk.”
In the aftermath of the suspected terror attack in Golders Green, one of the victims said the Government is “not doing its job” protecting the Jewish community.
Mr Rand, who has received treatment in hospital for wounds to the chest after he was stabbed, told ITV News “people are blaming obviously the Government for not doing anything about what’s going on.”
In a social media post, Councillor Andrew Walters, an independent representative for Kersal and Broughton Park, said it was “deeply disturbing to see what happened in Golders Green.”
The Jewish councillor reserved praise for Shomrim, the non-profit neighbourhood watch organisation protecting Jewish communities and Hatzola, a volunteer medical service operated by Jewish communities.
“Worth remembering where real, frontline impact comes from,” he said of the worth both organisations carry out.
He hinted that the work both groups carry out was “perhaps something (for the government) to reflect on when the next round of large public grants aimed at ‘community protection’ are being considered.”
Following the attack, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the criminal justice response to the suspected terrorist incident in north London must be “swift, agile and visible” as extra funding was announced to increase security for Jewish communities.
In a meeting with representatives, including Met chief Sir Mark in Downing Street on Thursday morning, he said the Government and agencies must “come together very quickly” to take the necessary action.
Meanwhile, a further £25 million will be invested to boost police patrols and protection around synagogues, schools and community centres, taking the total commitment this year to £58 million.
