A Jewish baby and child were the victims of an alleged kidnapping attempt in London on Thursday, according to the Jewish neighborhood watch group Stamford Hill Shomrim.

The Metropolitan Police said Tuesday evening that members of the public had detained the man, and when law enforcement arrived he was arrested on suspicion of common assault. The suspect was later released on bail.

Possibly 'racist attack'

An Orthodox Jewish man is seen in Stamford Hill, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, London, Britain, April 8, 2020. (credit: Hannah McKay/Reuters)
An Orthodox Jewish man is seen in Stamford Hill, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, London, Britain, April 8, 2020. (credit: Hannah McKay/Reuters)
While the father’s identity was not initially known to police and Shomrim, by Tuesday he had come forward to speak to officers.

“The investigation is ongoing and the motives of the suspect will be kept under consideration,” said the Hackney Police Station.

The attack, which took place during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, was believed by witnesses to be a “racist attack.”

The Shomrim and Met police appealed for witnesses to come forward.