Police have launched an investigation after a rabbi was attacked outside his synagogue.

Essex Police said officers attended Limes Avenue in Chigwell shortly after 1.15pm on Sunday following reports of a racially aggravated assault.

Other members of the Jewish community and local authorities have offered their support to Rabbi Rafi Goodwin following the attack.

Police said they believed that two teenagers stepped out in front of the victim’s vehicle while he was driving.

The pair then shouted at him and spoke in a derogatory way about his religion before going on to damage his car.