Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for the government to provide armed security for synagogues and Jewish institutions in the UK.

The petition, started by Moses Hoffman, has received over 5,000 signatures, and calls on the UK to follow the example of European governments who are already “providing armed security for synagogues and Jewish institutions following numerous fatal terror attacks.”

Mr Hoffman said he thought the only solution to the threat of terror is armed security.

He said: “Our synagogues and schools do not have the adequate security to protect against a fatal attack.

“Antisemitism is evolving from verbal or physical attacks to fatal terror attacks, as witnessed in France, Belgium, Denmark the USA and other locations.

“How can a policeman or guard without a gun or even a knife protect hundreds of school children or others from such a threat?”

He added: “The threat in the UK is the same as in the rest of Europe, so the response must be the same. We shouldn't wait for something serious to happen before deciding to change to armed security as was the case In Denmark.”

If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be discussed in parliament.