A community is in shock following the apparently random and unprovoked stabbings of two Orthodox Jews last week.

The two men were attacked just metres from each other in streets off Golders Green Road, in Golders Green, last Friday.

Police officers were alerted to a 47-year-old man in The Drive who had stab wounds to his arm and chest.

While at the scene, police were informed that a 43-year-old man had been stabbed in nearby Beverley Gardens.

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said the assaults, which happened at about 6pm, were not being treated as faith hate crimes, but the callous nature of the attacks has disturbed the deeply religious area.

Deborah Behar, who lives in The Drive, said the road was packed with people trying to help the first victim.

She said: "It was quite scary and we were all frightened about what had happened. There was a feeling of worry because it could have been anyone.

"The children feel safe around here and they go to school by themselves. It's something that has never been heard of in this area."

The Hatzola ambulance, a volunteer medical service that provides care to the Orthodox community, joined London Ambulance at the scene.

Both victims were taken to hospital, one by the Hatzola crew, and are said to be in a stable condition.

Habib Olah, who also lives in The Drive, said: "You tend to be resigned to these things happening, but you always feel they would happen to others and not so close to you.

"The whole area is upset and concerned and everybody is shocked something like this could happen where they live."

Community Security Trust (CST) works with the police and residents to protect the Jewish community.

Trust spokesman Mark Gardner said he was confident the community would pull together following the attacks.

"The Jewish community in Golders Green has suffered from a number of criminal and anti-Semitic attacks in recent years and, although it appears primarily this was criminal, it is a cause for concern," he said.

"We have a three-way partnership to tackle crime and the effects of crime, which has been very successful, but unfortunately it will have to remain in place for the foreseeable future."

A 37-year-old man was arrested on Sunday in connection with the stabbings and has been charged with two counts of assault involving grievous bodily harm.

Mohamed Jama Ahmed, 37, of North Circular Road, Cricklewood, appeared at Hendon Magistrates Court on Tuesday. He was remanded in custody to appear at Wood Green Crown Court next Tuesday.