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Police drop investigation into Shomrim man

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Police have dropped their investigation into an Orthodox man arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

Gary Ost, 26, was one of four men questioned by police earlier this year as part of an investigation into Rabbi Chaim Halpern.

Mr Ost temporarily stood down from his role as chief executive of community security group Shomrim during the investigation.

He said he "vehemently denied" the allegations against him and had fully co-operated with police.

Mr Ost has not yet commented on the police decision to drop their investigation.

Rabbi Halpern, who heads the Divrei Chaim Synagogue in Golders Green, north west London, was questioned in connection with alleged sexual assault and perverting the course of justice.

Following the arrests in February, Rabbi Halpern's solicitor said he "categorically denies any allegation of wrongdoing".

Police confirmed that its Sapphire Unit, which investigates sexual offences, would take no further action against a 26-year-old man who had previously been arrested.

A 55-year-old man remains on bail as part of the investigation after being arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and perverting the course of justice.

The investigations into two other men, aged 62 and 64, have also been dropped.

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