Police investigate claims of North London shuls breaching lockdown

Superintendent James Rawlinson said: “The restrictions have been implemented to keep communities safe and the majority of premises have understood this and complied with them. We will continue to adopt a proportionate response to such incidents and pursue prosecutions where individuals blatantly ignore the regulations.

“I would encourage community leaders of all faiths to read the national guidance and would like to thank all of those who are following the rules to help keep each other safe.”

A Barnet Council spokesperson reported that enforcement officers had attended places of worship in the borough in recent days following allegations of breaches. To the best of their knowledge, none had been found.

Sources have told the JC that Machzikei Hadass in Edgware was visited by police over a Shabbat. One witness alleged that 50 people had attended for shacharit on November 7 before police arrived.

The Met said that police had responded to reports of a large gathering at around 4:20pm on that day. It said officers had spoken to the organiser and the crowd had dispersed without the need for enforcement action.

Machzikei Hadass trustee Ian Goldstein said he was not in the building. It was his understanding the visit was part of the police “doing the rounds” in the area and they did not enter the premises.

Another source claimed the shul was holding minyans, with around 20 men allegedly going inside on Saturday. The source had alerted the police.

Mr Goldstein maintained that the shul was closed and would remain so until the lockdown was lifted.