A Southend Rabbi has told of his concern at a massive increase on the number of violent attacks on Jews.

New figures released today show a 42 per cent hike in attacks on the Jewish community throughout Britain.

In 2003 there were 375 anti-Semitic incidents recorded by the Community Security Trust (CST).

This increased to 532 in 2004.

The sickening figures include physical attacks, abusive behaviour, name calling and sending hate mail.

They also take into account the desecration of property including the daubing of swastikas on synagogues.

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