Senior police leaders have met with Jewish community representatives in Hertfordshire to offer reassurance and strengthen support following recent events.

Chief Constable Andy Prophet and Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards held the meeting on Thursday (30 April), giving community leaders the opportunity to share concerns and discuss how policing can respond.

The session, which also included Robert Voss, focused on ensuring Jewish residents feel safe and supported. Attendees were encouraged to report any concerns, with police emphasising the importance of community intelligence in tackling crime.

The meeting comes after several arrests in Hertfordshire linked to antisemitic incidents in London, and amid a heightened national security context. Officers confirmed that protective security patrols have already been increased, with further adjustments planned following feedback from community leaders on key locations and times.

A senior officer from Counter Terrorism Policing provided an update on the wider situation, while Chief Superintendent Di Whiteside outlined local operational work to combat antisemitism.

Police said community leaders welcomed the increased visible presence, with many saying it had helped provide reassurance. It was also agreed that more regular meetings would take place going forward.

Ahead of the discussion, senior officers visited four synagogues in Hertsmere on 25 April to hear directly from worshippers.

Chief Constable Andy Prophet said: "This was a really productive meeting and I hope that it reassures the Jewish community that we are listening to their concerns and acting on them.

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"It was clear from discussions that many of our Jewish residents are feeling very frightened right now. We have taken away lots of useful feedback on how we can make them feel safer, particularly by reviewing our patrol plans. We've also committed to more regular meetings with the community.

"No one should feel unsafe because of their faith, and we want to be absolutely clear that antisemitism, in any form, has no place in Hertfordshire. If you have concerns, or see anything suspicious, please report it to us so that appropriate action can be taken."

PCC Jonathan Ash-Edwards added: "It was incredibly useful to hear directly from members of the Jewish community, and I understand just how deeply recent events are being felt by Jewish residents in Hertfordshire.

"Antisemitism and hatred are not inevitable and must not be tolerated. No one in Hertfordshire should feel they have to look over their shoulder because of their faith. I stand with the Jewish community and will do everything I can to advocate for the safety and security to which they are entitled."

The update comes as the UK's terrorism threat level has been raised from substantial to severe, meaning an attack is considered highly likely.

Residents are being urged to remain alert but not alarmed. Anyone who sees something suspicious is asked to report it via the government's ACT website. In an emergency, always call 999.