Security groups have called on the London Jewish community to remain calm after a false alarm was raised on social media and neighbourhood forums over “men” behaving suspiciously.
Yesterday afternoon, messages were circulated calling on the community to report a car seen in a Jewish area of north-west London to police, including anti-terrorism officers.
It was claimed that the car had “men in it taking notes outside several kosher shops in Golders Green. Once spotted and approached, they zoomed off.”
But authorities have confirmed that there was nothing suspicious about the car, which was driven by an elderly man.
Inspector Adrian Needley, a team duty officer in Barnet, said: “There is nothing suspicious regarding this vehicle.
“The driver states that he regularly travels in this location, so please reassure the community that the police have investigated and it is of no concern.”
A spokesman for the Community Security Trust said: "CST discussed this immediately with police and very quickly with the original witness of what happened. We believe it to be a false alarm and the description of what happened is not entirely accurate.
“The driver was elderly and uncertain."
A spokesman for volunteer neighbourhood watch group Shomrim added: “We ask the community to remain calm but vigilant and report suspicious activity.”
