Police launch investigation into 'anti-Semitic abuse' of Rabbi at mosque

Police have launched an investigation after a video clip circulating online showed a Rabbi general election candidate being shouted at outside a mosque, the M.E.N. can reveal today.

Jewish leaders condemned the incident involving Arnold Saunders, the Conservative candidate for the Bury South constituency, as 'unquestionably anti-Semitic'.

Rabbi Saunders was invited to the Masjid Bilal Islamic Centre in Prestwich, Bury, by mosque elders to speak to its members. The footage shows Rabbi Saunders, who uses a walking aid, being harangued and called a 'snake'.

READ MORE: After 14 years of Tory rule, is Manchester any Greater?

Greater Manchester Police today said 'enquiries are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident and those involved'.

The force said the video has now been brought to its attention - and confirmed an investigation was now underway.

In a statement to the M.E.N., a GMP spokesperson said: "We have launched an investigation after a social media video showing a Rabbi being confronted on Bury New Road, Prestwich, was brought to our attention.

"Enquiries are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident and those involved. Our local officers are continuing to provide reassurance to the community who may be concerned. Ensuring the safety of those in our communities is our utmost priority.

"We would encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of hate crime or harassment to come forward and report this to us, so we can investigate thoroughly. This can be done via our website reporting tool, 101, or 999 in an emergency.

"Anyone from the community who is concerned about this incident or other issues can also raise these with their local officers."

The Jewish Representative