Police in London are investigating an antisemitic assault when gas canisters were thrown at Jewish people on the streets of north London yesterday.

The three Jewish shoppers were abused in Tottenham Hale by three white men in a white pickup truck who shouted: "Hitler is on the way to you, Heil Hitler, Heil Hitler, Heil Hitler" and threw small gas refill canisters towards the victims, two men and a woman.

Six million Jewish people were murdered by the Nazi regime in the Second World War, many by being gassed in death camps such as Auschwitz-Birkenau. 

Shomrim, the Jewish neighbourhood watch patrol, were called in by the victims of the attack, one of a growing numer of antisemitic incidents in the capital. Shomrim is providing victim support. Although none of the victims was injured, all were "badly shaken", said Shomrim.

Jonathan Sacerdoti, Director of Communications at the Campaign Against Antisemitism, said: "This disturbing incident is a reminder of the abuse that many Jewish people experience all too often. It is vital that victims report all antisemitic attacks or incidents whenever they happen, and that the police take every report seriously, investigating and charging those responsible wherever possible."

Shomrim volunteer Michael Blayer said: "This behaviour is appalling, the victims were innocent shoppers at the Tottenham Hale Retail Park, and they were targeted because they were visibly Jewish. The verbal abuse was disgusting, and small objects were thrown towards the victims, making them fear for their immediate safety. Shomrim are supporting the victims. The incident has been reported to the Metropolitan Police, I have absolute confidence in our local police that this will be thoroughly investigated. I encourage anyone who witnessed this incident or who may have experienced a similar incident to report it."

Anybody with information should call the police on 101 quoting reference CAD7955-06/01/16.