Jewish groups said yesterday that the invasion of Gaza had provoked a surge in anti-Semitic intimidation and violence in London and Manchester.

One Jewish charity, the Community Security Trust (CST), said that the threat had increased after comments by Hamas leaders calling for attacks on Jewish people.

The most serious incident in Britain occurred on Saturday when three youths tried to set fire to Brondesbury Park Synagogue in northwest London. Police said that the incident was believed to be a direct result of events in the Middle East.

A police spokesman said that officers were liaising closely with Jewish groups and that “reassurance patrols” had been increased in areas with substantial Jewish populations. In North Manchester, barriers have been placed outside King David High School and entry is being restricted to passholders.

The CST, which was set up to ensure the safety of Jewish people, has reported 20 anti-Semitic incidents in the past week and is understood to be in regular contact with the police.

Mark Gardner, of the charity, said: “When the Hamas leadership calls for revenge attacks on Jewish people, we have to be very, very concerned about what that means.”

Jewish leaders and security services across Europe are worried that emotion over the Gaza conflict could cause anti-Semitic acts or attacks. In France, where the anti-terror alert was already at its second-highest level, the police intelligence service stepped up its monitoring of prayer groups frequented by the extremists. On Saturday a demonstration in Paris by 25,000 pro-Palestinian marchers turned violent, with riot police turning out the next day to protect about 4,000 pro-Israel demonstrators who gathered outside the Israeli Embassy.

British police said that they were working with Muslims to reassure them that non-violent demonstrations would be facilitated. One Muslim group wrote to the Prime Minister yesterday warning that the Israeli attacks could drive young Muslims into the hands of extremists.

Explore UK News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Science News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• Sarah Brown says 'no thanks' to veal at G8 - twice
• Stockton-on-Tees leads fight against obesity
• Stores blame poor sales on Murray factor