Gang of youths are accused of Jewish slurs

Police issued a dispersal order after several reports of youths in the town centre, while they also received a report of 30 to 50 teenagers gathering near the Jewish Centre in Meppell Avenue.

The young yobs, believed to be aged between 11 and 15, all wore black hoodies and masks.

One resident, Rebecca Vos, witnessed one member of the community try to disperse the teens, only to be met with a torrent of abuse.

The 36-year-old said: “It is a nightmare. I did go and apologise to the man because it was horrible. In all honesty, these children don’t even know what they are saying, they don’t understand, but they are creating a gang mentality where they feel safe to act this way.

“Their latest actions highlighted the issue, but it happens most nights on the island, and it is deeply concerning. We are developing a child gang problem in Canvey.”

A community of Chasidic Jews have been moving to the island over the past year from North London.

They chose Canvey due to the community spirit and have converted the former Castle View School into the Jewish Congregation of Canvey Island.

Despite a generally warm welcome, there have been some unpleasant anti-Semitic incidents, including a group of youths on bikes performing Nazi salutes in August.

Mrs Vos added: “Everyone has been so welcoming since they are arrived but now they are being abused and pushed away by these idiotic kids. It is a disgrace.”

Essex Police posted to Facebook: “On Canvey we have had a report of a large group congregating and intimidating local residents.

“As a result a dispersal order has been put in place for Canvey, this gives an officer in uniform the power to remove a young person to a place of safety. Children under 16 but over the age of ten will be taken home, if they return to the locality defined within the order and cause antisocial behaviour within 48 hours this will be considered a breach which is an arrestable offence.”