MEMBERS of the Jewish community have met with police in Southend following religiously aggravated assaults.

Essex Police have been speaking with figures from the Jewish community in the wake of an attack in Chigwell.

A man was attacked in Limes Avenue at around 1.15pm on Sunday.

It was reported he had been attacked with an unknown item following a verbal altercation.

He required hospital treatment and his phone was stolen.

Throughout Monday, Essex Police officers have been speaking with Jews to provide reassurance and updates following on from the incident.

Community members and religious leaders, who are celebrating Shavuot, were spoken to in Southend and Chigwell.

Chief Spt Stuart Hooper said: "We know this is a very important time - a time for communities to come together, to be around each other and celebrate. We do not want anyone to feel that they cannot do that safely.

“Officers spent the day speaking with the Jewish community to provide reassurance.

“At this time we do not believe this incident is related to events taking place overseas or incidents which have taken place elsewhere in the country.”

Two men from Ilford, aged 18 and 25 were arrested on Monday afternoon on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent in connection to the Chigwell attack and remain in custody.

For more information on reporting hate crimes visit www.essex.police.uk/hatecrime.