THE father of one of the Jewish boys involved in the racial attack in Bushey Heath this month met with MP James Clappison to voice his concerns about safety in the area.

Geoffrey Hartnell and Rabbi Meir Salasnik of Bushey Heath Synagogue met the MP and other councillors on Friday, January 24, while they embarked on a tour of Bushey.

Rabbi Salasnik said: "It was a terrible incident, but I think that anti-semetic words were used rather than it being an anti-semetic attack, they picked on the boys because they were there."

Mr Hartnell's 13-year-old son and his friends were walking to another friend's house on Friday, January 10.

Mr Hartnell said: "More than anything it appeared to me that the youngsters were bored.

"They need something to do and the community should do something about it."

Mr Clappison said: "This is a very serious incident and I will look into the lack of police presence and security cameras in Bushey.

"There is a meeting to discuss crime reduction in Hertsmere on Monday, February 3, at which police representatives will be present.

"Hopefully we can achieve something from it and members of the public wishing to speak are welcome to attend."

January 27, 2003 17:30