Police in Hackney have praised efforts by local synagogues on Monday to deter people from turning up to pray.

In a tweet, Springfield police said yesterday, “It was great to speak to some synagogue managers today who are putting new locks on buildings, cleaners in and discouraging worshippers to attend.

“Brilliant to see them doing their bit to help protect the community from Covid-19 & taking responsibility.”

Springfield ward has one of the largest concentrations of Charedi Jews in the North London borough.

The Metropolitan Police said on Sunday it was aware there had been a number of religious services  in tin Hackney during the week and officers were encouraging the community to observe social distancing protocols.

There have been repeated appeals from Jewish doctors and the anti-crime patrol group Shomrim for members of the community not to meet to pray.