Counter-Terrorism Police Lead Investigation Into "Sickening" Arson Attack on Jewish Ambulances
London — Counter-terrorism detectives are leading the investigation into a targeted arson attack that destroyed four ambulances belonging to the Jewish community charity Hatzola in north London.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:45 AM on Monday in Highfield Road, Golders Green. While the Metropolitan Police are treating the fire as an antisemitic hate crime, they have not yet declared it a formal terrorist incident.
The Attack
CCTV footage obtained by investigators shows three hooded individuals pouring accelerant over the specialised emergency vehicles before igniting them and fleeing the scene. The intensity of the blaze caused multiple cylinders on the ambulances to explode, shattering the windows of an adjacent block of flats. Miraculously, no injuries were reported.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, confirmed that investigators are aware of a claim of responsibility posted on Telegram by a group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia. The group allegedly shared a map of the location and footage of the vehicles engulfed in flames. Police stated they are currently working to verify the authenticity of these claims.
Official Condemnation
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from across the political and religious spectrum. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis described the arson as, "particularly sickening", while the Archbishop of Canterbury labeled the act an, "appalling antisemitic attack".
The British Medical Association also issued a statement, asserting that, "deliberate attacks on healthcare services", are, "reprehensible".
"The community is feeling vulnerable", said Damon Hoff, president of the Machzike Hadath Synagogue, where the ambulances were stationed.
Government Response
Health Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed that the government has stepped in to fund the replacement of the destroyed vehicles. He added that the London Ambulance Service will provide additional support to the community to ensure emergency response times in Golders Green remain unaffected.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been in direct contact with Jewish community leaders, and Superintendent Sarah Jackson confirmed that police will maintain an increased, highly visible patrol presence in the area to reassure local residents.
Community Resilience
Despite the destruction, the neighbourhood watch organisation Shomrim confirmed that the Hatzola service remains fully operational. On social media, the charity signalled its determination to continue its life-saving work uninterrupted.
As of Monday evening, no arrests had been made. Forensic teams remain on-site, and the Metropolitan Police are expected to be urging anyone with information, dashcam footage, or doorbell camera recordings from the area to come forward as the investigation continues.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:45 AM on Monday in Highfield Road, Golders Green. While the Metropolitan Police are treating the fire as an antisemitic hate crime, they have not yet declared it a formal terrorist incident.
The Attack
CCTV footage obtained by investigators shows three hooded individuals pouring accelerant over the specialised emergency vehicles before igniting them and fleeing the scene. The intensity of the blaze caused multiple cylinders on the ambulances to explode, shattering the windows of an adjacent block of flats. Miraculously, no injuries were reported.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, confirmed that investigators are aware of a claim of responsibility posted on Telegram by a group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia. The group allegedly shared a map of the location and footage of the vehicles engulfed in flames. Police stated they are currently working to verify the authenticity of these claims.
Official Condemnation
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from across the political and religious spectrum. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis described the arson as, "particularly sickening", while the Archbishop of Canterbury labeled the act an, "appalling antisemitic attack".
The British Medical Association also issued a statement, asserting that, "deliberate attacks on healthcare services", are, "reprehensible".
"The community is feeling vulnerable", said Damon Hoff, president of the Machzike Hadath Synagogue, where the ambulances were stationed.
Government Response
Health Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed that the government has stepped in to fund the replacement of the destroyed vehicles. He added that the London Ambulance Service will provide additional support to the community to ensure emergency response times in Golders Green remain unaffected.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been in direct contact with Jewish community leaders, and Superintendent Sarah Jackson confirmed that police will maintain an increased, highly visible patrol presence in the area to reassure local residents.
Community Resilience
Despite the destruction, the neighbourhood watch organisation Shomrim confirmed that the Hatzola service remains fully operational. On social media, the charity signalled its determination to continue its life-saving work uninterrupted.
As of Monday evening, no arrests had been made. Forensic teams remain on-site, and the Metropolitan Police are expected to be urging anyone with information, dashcam footage, or doorbell camera recordings from the area to come forward as the investigation continues.
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