Suspect behind ‘f*** Jews’ daubing at Gateshead yeshiva is arrested
Individual was apprehended by two guards on duty at the building on Saturday, after two similar incidents in the local area last month
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
A suspect who sprayed “f**k Jews” on the pavement outside a yeshiva headquarters in Gateshead was arrested after being apprehended by two guards on duty at the building.
The incident took place on Saturday – and followed two previous incidents of similar offensive daubings being sprayed in the local area last month.
After catching the suspect, who had used yellow paint for the antisemitic act, the two guards called the local Community Security Trust (CST) control room and Northumbria Police to report the incident.
Jewish News understands that police have been made aware of two previous antisemitic graffiti incidents that took place in October within 100 yards of each other , to see if they can be connected to the incident at the weekend.
Round the clock protection of such buildings are paid for out of the government grant for protecting Jewish communal locations. The grant is administered by the CST.
Asked to comment on the latest incident in Gateshead, a CST spokesperson said:“This disgusting antisemitic graffiti was one of a series targeting the local community in Gateshead and we are grateful to the guards for their swift action in apprehending a suspect and calling the police.
“This is a testament to the value of the CST-administered government grant for security guards at Jewish locations, and the broader partnership between the government, police, CST and the community that it represents.”
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 12.30am on Saturday (October 30) Police received a report a male had sprayed antisemitic graffiti near the Swallow Hotel, on Gladstone Terrace, Gateshead.
“An investigation into the incident has been launched and officers are treating the incident as a hate crime.
“Enquiries remain ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact police via the Tell us Something page, or by calling 101 quoting crime number 120031T/21.”
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