Chigwell rabbi attack: Two arrests after synagogue assault

Rabbi Rafi Goodwin (pictured in one of his YouTube videos) sustained head injuries in the attack outside the synagogue on Limes Avenue in Chigwell

Two men have been arrested after a rabbi was attacked outside his synagogue.

Essex Police responded to reports of a suspected religiously-aggravated assault on a man in his 30s in Chigwell on Sunday at about 13:15 BST.

The victim, Rabbi Rafi Goodwin from the Chigwell & Hainault United Synagogue, needed hospital treatment.

An 18-year-old and a 25-year-old from Ilford have been arrested on suspicion of GBH with intent and were in custody.

Officers said the victim was attacked with an unknown object on Limes Avenue and needed treatment for head injuries, although police have not revealed the extent of those injuries. His phone was also stolen.

'Deeply distressed'

United Synagogues, of which Chigwell & Hainault is a member community, said in a Facebook post the rabbi was being "assessed for concussion after receiving a number of blows to the head".

It said the community was "deeply distressed to learn about the violent attack".

"We wish Rabbi Rafi... a speedy recovery, and our thoughts and prayers are with him, his wife, his family and his community at this very difficult time," the statement added.

A police spokesman said officers were engaging with local Jewish communities to provide reassurance and updates.

Essex Police said officers were seeking to reassure Jewish communities in Chigwell and further afield in Essex and east London

Ch Supt Stuart Hooper said: "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."

The force had appealed for anyone with information or relevant footage from CCTV, dashcams or doorbell cameras to contact officers on 101.

Chigwell is in the Epping Forest district of Essex, while Hainault is in the London Borough of Redbridge.

Jas Athwal, leader of Redbridge Council, said: "Anti-Semitism has no place in our society and, if you have any information about this unprovoked and cowardly attack, please contact the police.

"We are proud of our community and all parts of the community in Redbridge, we unequivocally condemn this attack and will continue to work together to support each other."