Chigwell rabbi attack: Two charged after 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 charged with assaulting a rabbi who was allegedly struck over the head with a brick.

Rabbi Rafi Goodwin needed hospital treatment after he was attacked outside his synagogue, in Chigwell, Essex, on Sunday, police said.

Abderrahman Brahimi, 25, and Souraka Djabouri, 18, of Tudor Crescent, Ilford in east London, are accused of causing grievous bodily harm.

They are also accused of robbery and religiously aggravated criminal damage.

Colchester Magistrates' Court heard Mr Goodwin, from the Chigwell & Hainault United Synagogue in Limes Avenue, was driving when the attack happened.

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

The court was told the rabbi's car was kicked multiple times, causing the passenger side wing mirror to snap off.

Both men were remanded in custody and will appear before Chelmsford Crown Court next month.