Newhaven Man Held After Online Post Calls for Attacks on Jewish Community

A man has been arrested after alleged social media comments called for Jewish businesses and places of worship in Brighton and Hove to be targeted. Sussex Police confirmed officers attended an address in Newhaven on Sunday afternoon following reports of threatening messages posted online. The comments reportedly appeared beneath a post on the Brighton and […]

A man has been arrested after alleged social media comments called for Jewish businesses and places of worship in Brighton and Hove to be targeted.

Sussex Police confirmed officers attended an address in Newhaven on Sunday afternoon following reports of threatening messages posted online. The comments reportedly appeared beneath a post on the Brighton and Hove Palestine Solidarity Campaign Facebook page.

The messages allegedly suggested Jewish-owned businesses should be hit with “stink bombs” and that “ripe fruit and eggs” should be thrown at synagogues.

A man was arrested on suspicion of four offences: sending offensive or menacing communications, using threatening words intended to stir up religious hatred, making threats to damage or destroy property, and possession of a Class B drug.

He has since been released on bail while investigations continue.

Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh said police understood the anxiety such messages can cause.

“Threatening, hateful and antisemitic comments have a profound impact on the Jewish community and the wider public,” he said. “We will not tolerate threats of any kind. Anyone attempting to target people because of their faith should expect a firm and decisive response.”

He urged members of the public not to speculate while enquiries are ongoing.

Brighton & Hove Palestine Solidarity Campaign said it was an anti-racist organisation and condemned racism in all forms. A spokesperson said the comment was removed as soon as it was brought to the group’s attention and that the individual responsible was not affiliated with the organisation.

The Sussex Jewish Representative Council welcomed the swift police action. A spokesperson said that in light of recent attacks against Jewish communities internationally and elsewhere in the UK, all threats must be treated seriously and addressed with the full force of the law.