Warning after road sign stunt

A STRICTLY Orthodox group has warned members of the community against reporting “false antisemitic stories” to the media.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Jewish Community Council of Stamford Hill, north-east London, accused groups of “using every opportunity to smear the media” with stories about antisemitism.

The comment follows an incident last week when a fake road sign, depicting a man in traditional Charedi dress, was described by Shomrim, the local neighbourhood watch group, as “offensive” and causing concern among residents, but was later revealed to be part of a street-art project.

Simche Steinberger, Conservative councillor for Hackney, and JCC member said: “It is important to play down what I call fake news, self-created, antisemitic stories, which some groups are using as a PR tool.”

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said the incident was being treated “as a religiously aggravated hate crime.”

He added: “Officers from Hackney Community Safety unit are investigating and inquiries are ongoing.”