Two men from Ilford arrested after rabbi attacked near synagogue

Officers engaging with the community in Epping Forest (credit: Essex Police)

Two men from Ilford have been arrested after a rabbi was attacked near his synagogue in Chigwell.

Rabbi Rafi Goodwin, assistant rabbi at Chigwell & Hainault United Synagogue, was the victim of a religiously-aggravated assault on Sunday, 16 May. 

Two men from Ilford, aged 18 and 25, were arrested yesterday afternoon on suspicion of GBH with intent and remain in custody.

Essex Police said the victim was attacked with an unknown object on Limes Avenue following a verbal altercation at around 1.15pm.

Rabbi Rafi, aged in his 30s, required hospital treatment for head injuries.

Police are continuing to appeal for anyone with information about the assault.

Officers spent time in the area yesterday engaging with local Jewish communities to provide updates and reassurance following the incident.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Hooper said: “We know this is a very important time – a time for communities to come together, to be around each other and celebrate.

“We do not want anyone to feel that they cannot do that safely.

“Officers have spent the day speaking with the Jewish community to provide reassurance.

“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.”

Anyone with information about this incident, relevant CCTV, dashcam or ring door bell footage – particularly in the areas of Limes Avenue, Tudor Crescent, and Fencepiece Road, is asked to contact Loughton CID on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/92174/21.