There will be an increased police presence on the streets of Oxfordshire to "reassure and protect communities" amid the ongoing conflict in Israel.

Thames Valley Police made the announcement on Tuesday night as it stated the events in Israel and the border with Gaza will be "concerning to many" living in this area.

The force stated its thoughts are with those who are affected by the ongoing conflict which has already claimed the lives of millions of people.

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"We understand that the impact will be far reaching to those living within the Thames Valley and their connections beyond," the statement said.

"As part of our local response to the ongoing events, we are increasing policing patrols across the Thames Valley in order to provide a visible presence.

"We will be engaging with our communities and local partners to ensure people feel safe and protected, whilst listening to any concerns they may have."

Dedicated officers will also be engaging with synagogues and mosques across Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley region to ensure they have a named contact to raise issues with the force.

Assistant chief constable Christian Bunt said: “We are aware that the ongoing conflict may lead to increased tensions and protests over the coming days.

"We are continuing to monitor intelligence locally and nationally and ensuring that any response balances the right to protest against any disruption to communities.

“Anyone who experiences threatening behaviour or is worried about their safety is urged to contact police.

"You can make contact online via our website or by calling 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.”

Oxford Mail: The Palace of Westminster is lit up in the colours of Israel's flag for victims and hostages of Hamas attacks, as the death toll rises amid ongoing violence in Israel and Gaza following the attack by HamasThe Palace of Westminster is lit up in the colours of Israel's flag for victims and hostages of Hamas attacks, as the death toll rises amid ongoing violence in Israel and Gaza following the attack by Hamas (Image: PA)

At a Witney Town Council meeting on Tuesday night, it was agreed the mayor would write to Thames Valley Police to ask what measures are in place to prevent antisemitic hate crime after it had recently increased in London.

Layla Moran, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, has also called for people to be vigilant against racism and antisemitism in our communities amid the unfolding conflict. 

She said: "We must stand up to racism whether it be antisemitism, islamophobia or any other.

"No community here in the UK or elsewhere should feel frightened or demonised because of world events they have no part in. Thank you for calling it out when you see it. We should all."

It comes as Sir Keir Starmer had earlier condemned the violence at the Labour Party Conference on Tuesday.

Oxford Mail: Palestinians walk amid the rubble following Israeli airstrikes that razed swaths of a neighborhood in Gaza City, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. The militant Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel Saturday, killing over 900

He said: "I utterly condemn the senseless murder of men, women and children – including British citizens – in cold blood by the terrorists of Hamas.

“This party believes in the two-state solution – a Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel.

“But this action by Hamas does nothing for Palestinians and Israel must always have the right to defend her people.

“And conference, these events, the war in Ukraine, they show precisely the test of our era. The world is becoming a more volatile place.”