Spike in religious hate crimes over Middle East war and Southport killings branded deeply troubling

THERE was a double spike in religious hate crime over the Middle East war and Southport killings, figures show.

The largest police forces in the country recorded a rise in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic offences.

Home Office minister Diana Johnson yesterday called for an end to hatred being stirred up by a minority of fanatics.

The rises came after Hamas murdered more than 1,200 Israelis on October 7, 2023. Israel retaliated by invading Gaza.

In July there was far-right anti-immigrant riots after three girls were stabbed to death in Southport, Merseyside.

Greater Manchester Police recorded 85 anti-Semitic cases in October last year and 68 the following month, up from just 13 a month earlier in the year.

Islamophobic offences were averaging 39 a month before spiking to 85 in August.

The West Yorkshire force saw anti-Semitic offences rise from six a month to 44. Islamophobic offences went up from 33 a month to 94.

London’s Met saw a hike in anti-Semitic cases from 54 per month to 517.

Dame Diana said: “These numbers are deeply troubling.

“We are determined to stamp out the toxic vitriol which is spread by a minority of people.

“We must have zero tolerance for anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and every other form of heinous hate in Britain.”