Detectives investigating the violent robbery of a Jewish woman in Haringey have made two arrests.
At around 16:30hrs on Thursday, 7 December, the victim – a 20-year-old woman – was approached by two girls on Rostrevor Avenue, N15 who assaulted her and stole her handbag.
The victim suffered bruising and while she didn’t require hospital treatment, she was understandably very shaken by the incident.
Extensive enquiries have been carried out since the incident to identify the suspects.
CCTV images were captured near to the scene which suggested they were wearing school uniform and detectives have worked with schools officers, including those from neighbouring boroughs, as well as school staff, in order to confirm the identity of the girls.
They have also benefited from the support of members of the public who have provided information to support the investigation.
At around midday on Sunday, 10 December, officers went to an address in Haringey where they arrested two girls aged 13 and 14 on suspicion of robbery. They remain in custody.
Detective Sergeant Asli Benson, who has led the investigation, said: “This was a terrifying incident for the young woman who was attacked. We will continue to ensure she has the right support.
“Officers have been pursuing all available lines of enquiry since the incident and these arrests are a very positive development.
“The victim is from the orthodox Jewish community. It would have been obvious from her appearance that she was Jewish and there has been significant concern that she was targeted for that reason.
“In the current climate, when fears and uncertainty in the wider Jewish community are heightened following the terror attacks in Israel and the subsequent rise in antisemitic hate crime here in London, these concerns are entirely understandable.
“While we are keeping an open mind as to the motive behind the incident and will continue to explore all avenues, we are treating this as a possible hate crime.”
Officers continue to appeal for anyone with information about the incident to call 101 providing the reference CAD 5505/07Dec.
Information can also be shared with the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.