Girls, 13 & 14, arrested over shocking Haringey street attack on Orthodox Jewish woman – as cops probe ‘hate crime’
TWO girls aged 13 and 14 have been arrested over a shocking street attack on an Orthodox Jewish woman.
Detectives said there was "significant concern" the victim, 20, was targeted because of her appearance and are treating it as a possible hate crime.
It follows a shocking rise in antisemitic abuse and attacks in the wake of Israel's war in Gaza.
Scotland Yard said the woman was approached on Rostrevor Avenue in Tottenham, North London, at around 4.30pm on December 7.
Two girls then assaulted her and stole her handbag.
The victim suffered bruising but didn't require hospital treatment.
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Extensive enquiries have been carried out since to identify the suspects, the Met Police said.
CCTV images were captured near the scene which suggested the attackers were wearing school uniform.
Today police arrested two girls on suspicion of robbery at an address in Haringey.
The suspects, aged 13 and 14, remained in custody this evening.
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Detective Sergeant Asli Benson said: "This was a terrifying incident for the young woman who was attacked.
"We will continue to ensure she has the right support.
"Officers have been pursuing all available lines of enquiry since the incident and these arrests are a very positive development.
"The victim is from the orthodox Jewish community.
"It would have been obvious from her appearance that she was Jewish and there has been significant concern that she was targeted for that reason.
"In the current climate, when fears and uncertainty in the wider Jewish community are heightened following the terror attacks in Israel and the subsequent rise in antisemitic hate crime here in London, these concerns are entirely understandable.
"While we are keeping an open mind as to the motive behind the incident and will continue to explore all avenues, we are treating this as a possible hate crime."
Officers continue to appeal for anyone with information about the incident to call 101 providing the reference CAD 5505/07Dec.
Information can also be shared with the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.