UK police declare arson attack on 2 kosher restaurants as hate crime

No one was reported injured in either event.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Updated: JUNE 7, 2017 18:06
A Union Jack flag flies in front of the clock face on the Houses of Parliament in central London (photo credit: REUTERS)
A Union Jack flag flies in front of the clock face on the Houses of Parliament in central London
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Authorities in the UK have determined that arson attacks against two kosher restaurants in Manchester over the past week were "antisemitic hate crimes," according to The Jewish Chronicleon Wednesday.
The Greater Manchester Police department said in a statement that the fires at The JS and Taam restaurants in Prestwich are believed to be "linked,” and have begun an investigation into the attacks.
According to The Jewish Chronicle, security footage captured two attackers targeting the Tamas restaurant with Molotov cocktails last Friday, smashing windows and causing extensive damage.
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, arsonists forced open a window at JS restaurant, pouring in flammable liquid which they then set alight, The Jewish Chronicle added.
No one was reported injured in either event.
Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Cadden of GMP’s Bury Borough said the police were “treating these as antisemitic hate crimes.
“This is clearly very worrying for businesses and people living in the area and I want to offer you my assurances that we have increased patrols in the area and have a team investigating these linked crimes.
“We are working alongside the Community Security Trust and if anyone in the area has concerns, I would urge you to come and talk to us.
“If you have any information about the attacks, no matter how small, I would urge you to get in touch, as you may have information that could help us.”