Scottish Jews say they are “deeply concerned” by the rising number of hate crimes against Muslims.

The Scottish Council of Jewish Communities issued a statement of solidarity following the increase in attacks since Lee Rigby was killed in Woolwich.

“Hate crime does not only affect its immediate victim, but all those who share the group identity that made the victim a target,” SCoJeC said.

“We therefore stand with the Muslim community in condemning unreservedly the irrational hatred that holds entire communities responsible for the crimes of a tiny number of extremists.”

In Birmingham, Jewish leaders said they were concerned by a recent spate of attacks on Muslims, including a number of stabbings and three explosions outside mosques across the east Midlands.

Frank Maxwell, Birmingham Progressive Synagogue president, said: “Attacks against the Muslim community encourage attacks against others.”