Almost 1600 people have signed a petition calling on Edinburgh to guarantee the safety of teenage girls representing Israel at an international lacrosse tournament.

Edinburgh Friends of Israel launched the online petition following threats from the Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign to disrupt the team’s appearances.

Edinburgh Friends of Israel said: “The SPSC has targeted a sporting event to further its extremist campaign of hatred and misinformation.

“We must not allow anti-Israel extremists to vandalise Scotland's international image by carrying out their threat to disrupt an event for young people, and above all everything must be done to guarantee the safety of the young teams.”

It added: “Anyone who believes that political campaigns should not be thrust upon sport, particularly when youngsters are involved, should sign this petition.

“We need to show that campaigns based upon hatred and vilification has no place in events hoping to strengthen international goodwill and develop lasting friendships.”

Over 1581 people have signed the petition. The Board of Deputies has urged members of the community to support it.