Hackney police arrest man after assaults on Jewish women

A 33-year-old man has been arrested following reports of racially and religiously aggravated assaults against Jewish women in Hackney, northeast London. The incidents occurred near Clapton Common and Upper Clapton Road.

According to Shomrim, a Jewish volunteer neighborhood watch group, the suspect allegedly targeted Jewish women specifically. In one instance, CCTV footage reportedly showed the man striking a woman twice on the head as she pushed a pram. Another victim reported being punched in the face. The victims believe they were targeted due to their faith.

Metropolitan Police officers arrested the suspect on suspicion of racially and religiously aggravated grievous bodily harm and for outstanding warrants. Chief Inspector Erica Crawhshaw described the incidents as “alarming and distressing” and noted that police have increased patrols in the area to reassure the community.

The arrests follow a period of increased antisemitic activity in London. The Community Security Trust (CST) reported 1,926 antisemitic incidents across the UK during the first half of 2026, marking one of the highest totals recorded for a six-month period.