Two arrested in connection with assault on Rabbi in Chigwell

Essex Police have been investigating a report of a religiously-aggravated assault in Chigwell on Sunday afternoon.

Police say they were assaulted in Limes Avenue shortly after 1.15pm on May 16.

It was reported he had been attacked with an unknown item following a verbal altercation.

He required hospital treatment and his phone was stolen.

This evening, police said two men from Ilford, aged 18 and 25, were arrested this afternoon on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent.

They are currently in custody.

Police officers speaking with members of the community in Chigwell today. Credit: Essex Police

Throughout today, Essex Police said its officers have been engaging with local Jewish communities to provide reassurance and updates following on from the incident.

Community members and religious leaders, who are celebrating Shavuot, have been speaking to officers in Chigwell and Southend this morning.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Hooper said: "We know this is a very important time - a time for communities to come together, to be around each other and celebrate. We do not want anyone to feel that they cannot do that safely.

"Officers have spent the day speaking with the Jewish community to provide reassurance.

"At this time we do not believe this incident is related to events taking place overseas or incidents which have taken place elsewhere in the country."

Police continue to appeal for any witnesses to the incident in Limes Avenue to come forward.

Anyone with information about this incident, relevant CCTV, dashcam or ring door bell footage – particularly in the areas of Limes Avenue, Tudor Crescent, and Fencepiece Road, is asked to contact Loughton CID on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/92174/21.