Police are investigating after a window was smashed at a kosher restaurant.
Darna, a restaurant serving "Israeli-inspired" food in Golders Green Road, was taped off by police today after the window was found smashed this morning (October 26).
Officers on patrol noticed the window was damaged, and the Metropolitan Police believes from initial enquiries that the incident happened at 5.30am.
A Met spokesperson said it appeared to be an “attempted burglary” and “there was no evidence to suggest that it was a hate crime”.
The Community Security Trust, a charity that campaigns against antisemitism, said: “We are working with police to determine the exact nature and motivation of the incident.
“We would ask people not to speculate until the facts are established. We will issue a further update in due course.”
CST is aware of an incident of damage to a restaurant in Golders Green that took place last night. We are working with police to determine the exact nature and motivation of the incident. We would ask people not to speculate until the facts are established. We will issue a…
— CST (@CST_UK) October 26, 2023
There were some concerns online that the restaurant was targeted as tensions rise between supporters of Israel and Palestine over the conflict overseas.
On October 10, the restaurant was used as a meeting point for Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to talk with London’s Jewish community.
I visited Darna restaurant at Golders Green tonight to show my solidarity with London’s Jewish community.
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) October 10, 2023
The last few days have been deeply distressing for them - and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been affected and those who have lost loved ones. I stand in… pic.twitter.com/LH59jNdDVD
The mayor dined with Rabbi Josh Levy, of the North West Reform Synagogue, as well as other rabbis and representatives of Jewish groups in London.
Anyone with information or footage relating to the damage to the restaurant is asked to call police on 101 or contact @MetCC through X/ Twitter, quoting 1557/26OCT.
Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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