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Patrols at synagogues after Manchester attack

Louise ParryHertfordshire
News imageCST A close up shot of a CST security guard, seen from behind. She wears a CST navy baseball cap and has a purple earpiece in. Her hair is scraped back into a bun and she wears a black fleece and CST purple jacket.CST
The Community Security Trust urged the Jewish community to "be vigilant" and "follow strict security measures" at public gatherings

Community support officers will be on hand to "provide additional reassurance" around a county's synagogues after the deadly attack in Manchester on Thursday.

Chris Grey, a councillor at Hertsmere Borough Council, said: "Attacks like this have wide-ranging effects, no less here in Hertsmere where we are proud to be home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the country."

The Community Security Trust (CST) said: "Everyone attending synagogue or other Jewish premises must follow all instructions from security guards and police officers."

Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden said he had contacted local synagogues and the CST to "offer my full support during this difficult time".

Two people were killed and a third shot by police after a suspect rammed a car into crowds and stabbed people at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.

It happened in the Crumpsall area of north Manchester, which is home to a large Jewish community.

Dowden described it as "a brutal and despicable act of hatred".

"These are difficult times for the Jewish community in Hertsmere and nationally," said the Conservative MP.

"I want to assure you that as your member of Parliament, I will always support our wonderful community."

News imagePA Media Oliver Dowden speaking to camera, with an almost invisible clear cable into his ear. He wears a green tie, white shirt and blue jacket.PA Media
MP for Hertsmere Oliver Dowden says he is "very deeply shocked and saddened" by the Manchester attack

Mr Grey, who is cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods, said: "My thoughts are with all those directly affected.

"An attack on one is an attack on all.

"We will not allow hatred or violence to divide us. Hertsmere stands in solidarity with our Jewish community today and every day."

He thanked Hertfordshire Police and the CST - a charity that protects British Jews from terrorism and antisemitism - for their "visible commitment to keeping our residents safe".

He added: "Alongside this, I have deployed our community support officers to provide additional reassurance around synagogues and community spaces at this special and significant time of year."

News imageGetty A Jewish man and boy, both with short hair, sit next to each other in a wooden pew, wearing a blue and white skull cap, known as a kippah. The remaining pews are empty.Getty
There will be extra patrols around synagogues in Hertfordshire to provide extra reassurance

The CST said it was "working closely with police in Manchester and across the country to ensure that security at synagogues, and in the wider Jewish community, is as strong as it can be over the coming days and weeks".

"In particular, we urge people not to congregate outside communal premises and synagogues to keep their doors closed at all times," it added.

"We thank all CST volunteers, security guards, and police officers who play their part in protecting our community from terrorism and antisemitism."

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