Police have launched an investigation after a borough Conservative candidate was berated at a community event at a mosque.
Rabbi Arnold Saunders went to Masjid Bilal mosque in Prestwich to speak after prayers last Friday, as he is standing for the Conservatives in Bury South in the General Election on Thursday.
He had been invited there by Muslim elders, but a video online showed Rabbi Saunders being abused before he enters and finally leaves without speaking.
In a four-minute incident captured on video at the event, a man shouting at Rabbi Saunders tells him not to “come to the house of Allah” and orders him to leave, claiming: “You justified children to be murdered…when you are with your own people these are the things you say, then you come here and smile like a snake".
The Bury Old Road mosque has condemned the behaviour shown towards Rabbi Saunders and apologised.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews and Labour's Bury South candidate Christian Wakeford have also condemned what happened.
And this afternoon, Tuesday, Greater Manchester Police has confirmed it has launched a probe into the incident.
A force spokesperson said: "We have launched an investigation after a social media video showing a Rabbi being confronted on Bury New Road, Prestwich, was brought to our attention.
"Enquiries are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident and those involved.
"Our local officers are continuing to provide reassurance to the community who may be concerned.
"Ensuring the safety of those in our communities is our utmost priority.
"We would encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of hate crime or harassment to come forward and report this to us, so we can investigate thoroughly.
"This can be done via our website reporting tool, 101, or 999 in an emergency.
"Anyone from the community who is concerned about this incident or other issues can also raise these with their local officers."
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