Senior Hackney police officers joined a visit to the Auschwitz death camp site organised by the Charedi community.

Borough commander Chief-Superintendent Steve Bending and head of its safer neighbourhoods unit Chief-Inspector Pete Atkinson also toured Krakow and other sites of Jewish interest.

The trip was one of a series arranged by Chuni Kahan of the Hatzolah volunteer emergency service. “The purpose is to build bridges and understanding between various communities,” he said.

“It was a very moving, fulfilling and emotional trip and has been very productive.”

Chief-Superintendent Bending said: “The trip was a powerful reminder of the horrors of the Second World War and in particular, the fate which befell so many Jews.

“Seeing the gates of the camp, the remnants of the gas chambers and the railway tracks which led so many to their deaths was a haunting experience.

“I hope that by learning more about the communities we serve, we can strengthen our links and help keep the residents of Hackney safe.”