A Jewish baby and child were the victims of an alleged kidnapping attempt in London on Thursday, according to the Jewish neighborhood watch group Stamford Hill Shomrim.
A father pushing his children in a baby carriage near the Lubavitch House was set upon by a masked man, according to CCTV footage published by the Shomrim on Monday. The man attempted to wrest away the baby carriage, but the father resisted.Attempted Kidnap caught on camera Clear CCTV footage shows the terrifying moments of the attempted kidnap of a Jewish child and baby. The horrific attack on the Jewish children took place on Thursday 13th June (Shavuos) at 11:56 am outside Lubavitch House on Stamford… pic.twitter.com/QxQYf6wpBb
— Shomrim (Stamford Hill) (@Shomrim) June 17, 2024
The Metropolitan Police said Tuesday evening that members of the public had detained the man, and when law enforcement arrived he was arrested on suspicion of common assault. The suspect was later released on bail.
Possibly 'racist attack'
While the father’s identity was not initially known to police and Shomrim, by Tuesday he had come forward to speak to officers.
“The investigation is ongoing and the motives of the suspect will be kept under consideration,” said the Hackney Police Station.
The attack, which took place during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, was believed by witnesses to be a “racist attack.”
The Shomrim and Met police appealed for witnesses to come forward.