Three 14-year-old schoolboys were targeted on a bus in Mill Hill in the early hours of Thursday, 10 September, in an incident now being treated by the Metropolitan Police as an antisemitic hate crime.
Police launch urgent inquiry after assault on bus
Scotland Yard says it was notified of the incident at 8.16am on the morning it occurred. Officers have described the boys as having been subjected to verbal abuse while two of the trio reported being physically assaulted. The area of the incident is around Sanders Lane, Mill Hill, in the London Borough of Barnet.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the locality, said detectives are carrying out "urgent enquiries" and are examining CCTV to identify anyone involved. The suspect is believed to be a white British man, police added.
"The Met will not tolerate antisemitism in any form and we will respond robustly to any and all offences that occur,"
The force has asked anyone with information to contact police via 101, quoting CAD 1468/10SEP26.
Transport operator and TfL support police investigation
Transport for London has confirmed it is supporting the Metropolitan Police investigation. The bus operator has been asked to provide footage from the vehicle’s onboard CCTV system, which is routinely fitted to London buses.
"Everyone has the right to travel around London without facing discrimination, and we stand united against hate in all its forms,"
Siwan Hayward, TfL’s security lead, described the attack as "horrific" and emphasised that any act of antisemitism on public transport would not be tolerated. TfL says it will assist detectives and encourages witnesses or those affected to come forward.
Context: policing and community reassurance
Officers have increased visible patrols in the area, the Met said, citing the importance of reassurance as communities mark the High Holy Days. Local policing teams have been briefed to be especially vigilant and to provide support where needed.
Residents in Mill Hill said news of the attack had left them shocked. One local parent said they were concerned for children travelling to and from school and urged greater presence of uniformed officers on buses and at stops. Another neighbour called for swift identification of the suspect to reassure families.
- Incident reported to police at 08:16 on 10 September.
- Three 14-year-old boys targeted; two reported physical assault.
- Suspect described as a white British man; CCTV enquiries ongoing.
- Police appeal: contact 101 quoting CAD 1468/10SEP26 with information.
Timeline of known events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 10 Sep | Morning: Boys verbally abused on a bus around Sanders Lane, Mill Hill; two report physical assault. Met notified at 08:16. |
| Following days | Met launches investigation, searches CCTV, increases patrols; TfL and bus operator assist. |
What police are asking the public to do
Investigators have asked anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have dashcam or mobile phone footage to get in touch. People with information should call 101 and quote the CAD reference 1468/10SEP26. If a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger, members of the public should dial 999.
Hate crimes can have a lasting effect on victims and local communities. Police guidance notes that reporting incidents, however small they may seem, helps build a picture of offending patterns and enables targeted policing responses.
I spoke with parents and commuters near Sanders Lane who described a spike in anxiety about travel safety for schoolchildren. One mother told a local community meeting she wanted better enforcement of CCTV retention and clearer protocols for sharing footage with police to speed up investigations. Another resident asked schools to remind pupils about reporting routes and to liaise with local officers.
The Met’s statement makes clear it will pursue allegations of antisemitic behaviour robustly. For now, the inquiry continues and detectives are appealing directly to anyone with relevant information to come forward.
If you have details that could assist the investigation, contact the Metropolitan Police on 101 quoting CAD 1468/10SEP26.
