CCTV appeal after faeces smeared over synagogue in horror attack

Police are searching for a man caught on CCTV smearing a substance reported to be faeces on two synagogues in north London. The perpetrator also smeared the faeces along a passageway used by worshippers in Golders Green in an incident that is being treated by the Metropolitan Police as religiously motivated criminal damage. A spokesperson for the neighbourhood watch group Shomrim NW said the attacks were "a deliberate and disgraceful antisemitic act targeting places of worship and members of our community".

"It is utterly disgusting and those responsible must be caught and brought to justice," they added. "Nobody should have to face such hatred when going to pray or at their own home." Detective Superintendent Tony Bellis said: "This is a revolting and appalling act and we are urging the public to help us locate those responsible as soon as possible."

The suspect was pictured carrying out the attack on Highfield Avenue in the north London neighbourhood in the early hours of Sunday, September 7.

It came just days after another synagogue in the area was targeted in a similar incident on Wednesday, September 3, shortly after a private home incurred damage in August 31, according to The Jewish Chronicle.

Shomrim, a group of volunteers who patrol the streets of north-east London, with a focus on predominantly Jewish areas, captured footage of the latest incident and handed it over to police.

They also issued a social media appeal for information about the attack, as well as the two before it.

"This was a deliberate antisemitic attack," a spokesperson added. "Shomrim are working closely with police and providing support to the victims."

Mr Bellis reportedly said his team was "working at pace" to identify the person caught on CCTV, who appeared to be wearing a hooded jumper and shorts, with a close-cut beard.

Anyone with information can contact Shomrim by calling 0300 999 1234 or the police on 101, quoting 1071/03SEP.