Police investigate offensive social media posts aimed at Jewish community

A 44-year-old man has been arrested in Newhaven following allegations of threatening social media posts that targeted Jewish businesses and places of worship.

The messages, posted within the Brighton and Hove Palestine Solidarity Campaign online group, allegedly called for Jewish businesses to be "targeted with stink bombs" and suggested throwing "ripe fruit and eggs" at synagogues.

Sussex Police responded to reports on Sunday afternoon, arresting the man on suspicion of several offences: sending offensive, indecent, obscene, or menacing messages; using threatening words to incite religious hatred; making threats to damage or destroy property; and possession of a class B drug.

He remained in custody as of Sunday evening, according to Sussex Police.

Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh said: "We acknowledge the deep distress and concern that can be caused by threatening, hateful and anti-Semitic messages to members of the Jewish community, and the wider public.

"Threats of any kind are completely unacceptable, and anyone who seeks to target individuals within communities of any faith group can expect a robust response.

"A man is in custody, and we urge people not to speculate to allow our full and thorough investigation to take place."

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