The police commissioner for Kent has promised protection to the county's Jewish community in the wake of a rise in anti-semitism following recent conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott said the attacks perpetrated by Hamas insurgents on Israelis at the weekend were "appalling".

Mr Scott added that all available powers must be employed by police to counter anyone "praising or glorifying" acts of terror.

His remarks come as official figures show a reported spike in hate incidents against the British Jewish community.

Mr Scott said: “The terrorist attacks committed by Hamas in Israel are appalling and my thoughts and condolences are with all of those who have been affected by them.

“It is right that the police use all available powers to protect the community and act against those who are praising or glorifying the barbaric acts that have taken place.

“I would encourage anybody who witnesses any such incidents both online or in person to report them to Kent Police."

Hamas began its surprise assault on Saturday, killing more than 1,200 people and taking as many as 150 hostages.

In Israel's counter-offensive, 1,300 people have been killed in Gaza in retaliatory air strikes.

Ramsgate Rabbi Cliff Cohen said: "We have good relationships across all cultures here in Thanet.

"In view of what is going on, we are being sensibly cautious. Given the world we live in, we like to know in advance who is coming to our services and we will be extra careful at this time.

"If there is a problem we will call the police and get it dealt with."

He said that he has been invited to an Armistice Day service at Canterbury Cathedral next month and will be accompanied by the former Ramsgate Mayoress Raushan Ara, who is Muslim.

Rabbi Cohen added: "I think that is a good message to send out."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that members of the UK Jewish community, including school children, will be given more protection against antisemitic attacks.

He said £3 million of additional funding will be provided to the Community Security Trust (CST), an organisation established to protect British Jews from antisemitism and related threats.

The CST works closely with the police to secure Jewish community buildings and events.

The cash injection will allow the CST to place additional guards in schools it supports throughout each school’s operating hours as well as additional security staff at outside synagogues on Friday nights and Saturday mornings.

The CST has recorded 139 antisemitic incidents in the last four days - an increase of 400% compared to the same period in 2022.

We must do everything in our power to protect Jewish people everywhere in our country

The Prime Minister said: "This is now the third deadliest terror attack in the world since 1970. The United Kingdom must and will continue to stand in solidarity with Israel.

"At moments like this, when the Jewish people are under attack in their homeland, Jewish people everywhere can feel less safe.

"That is why we must do everything in our power to protect Jewish people everywhere in our country. If anything is standing in the way of keeping the Jewish community safe, we will fix it. You have our complete backing."

The Met Police said between September 30 and October 13 2022 there were 14 incidents and 12 offences but in the same period this year there have been 105 incidents and 75 offences.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: "That is a massive increase in antisemitic crime and incidents."

The police said these incidents included playing German military music outside synagogues and laughing about Israeli deaths.