Antisemitic Arson Attack Destroys Jewish Community Ambulances in London
Horrific aerial footage has revealed the charred remains of three ambulances belonging to the Jewish Community Ambulance service in Golders Green, London, following a deliberate antisemitic arson attack in the early hours of Monday morning. A fourth ambulance sustained minor damage during the fire, which police are treating as a hate crime targeting the Jewish community.
Emergency Response and Investigation
The London Fire Brigade confirmed they received the initial call shortly before 2am and had the blaze under control by 3.06am. Approximately forty firefighters were deployed to tackle the intense flames, with reports of explosions caused by oxygen cylinders on board the vehicles. These explosions resulted in broken windows in nearby residential flats, prompting the precautionary evacuation of surrounding homes. Road closures remained in effect throughout the morning as emergency services secured the area.
Superintendent Sarah Jackson, leading the local policing response, stated: "We know this incident will cause a great deal of community concern and officers remain on scene to carry out urgent enquiries. We are in the process of examining CCTV and are aware of online footage. We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage." She confirmed no arrests had yet been made and urged anyone with information to come forward, anonymously if preferred.
Political and Community Condemnation
Prime Minister Keir Starmer swiftly confirmed that the Government would fund replacement ambulances for the service. Health Secretary Wes Streeting denounced the attack on social media, calling it "a sickening attack on Jewish ambulances" and emphasising the need to stand together against antisemitic hatred.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis issued a powerful statement, describing the arson as "a particularly sickening assault – not only on the Jewish community, but on the values we share as a society." He highlighted that the targeted Hatzola volunteer ambulance corps serves both Jewish and non-Jewish communities, with their sole mission being to protect life.
Local Impact and Heightened Fears
Golders Green ward councillor Dean Cohen, who attended the scene, noted the particularly chilling nature of the attack occurring in the car park of a synagogue. He told Jewish News this would "send shockwaves through our community at a time of already heightened fears over antisemitism in the UK." Local resident and councillor Shimon Ryde echoed this sentiment, telling the BBC the incident was "very shocking, but not unexpected" given the current climate.
The Community Security Trust (CST), a charity monitoring antisemitism, confirmed it is assisting police with their investigation. Shomrim, a neighbourhood watch group operating in Golders Green, clarified that the loud explosions reported were caused by oxygen tanks, not explosive devices, and confirmed the Northwest London Hatzola facility remains fully operational despite the attack.
Ongoing Police Presence and Community Support
Police have committed to maintaining a highly visible presence in the area, with additional patrols planned to provide reassurance. Superintendent Jackson confirmed officers are engaging with faith leaders as part of their community outreach following this traumatic event. The investigation continues as authorities examine CCTV footage that captured three masked suspects lighting the fire before fleeing the scene.
