Two men are to stand trial over the assault of a rabbi who was allegedly struck over the head with a concrete brick.

Rabbi Rafi Goodwin needed hospital treatment for head injuries after he was attacked in Chigwell in north-east London on May 16, Essex Police said.

Abderrahman Brahimi, 25, and 18-year-old Souraka Djabouri appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday, charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The pair, both of Tudor Crescent, Ilford, east London, are also charged with robbery and religiously aggravated criminal damage.

Both men deny all charges and were remanded in custody to face trial at a later date, a court official said.

Prosecutors alleged at an earlier hearing at Colchester Magistrates’ Court that the two defendants walked into the road, causing Mr Goodwin, who was driving, to brake.

They allege that one said “He’s a Jew”, before the complainant’s car was kicked numerous times, causing the passenger side wing mirror to snap off.

The court heard that Mr Goodwin got out of his vehicle and was punched a number of times in the face until he fell to the ground, and was then struck on the back of the head with a concrete brick.

Mr Goodwin’s phone was stolen, the prosecution alleges.

The trial could be listed in November this year, but a date has not been fixed, the court official said.