Police Launch Antisemitic Hate Crime Investigation Following Ambulance Arson Attack
Police are investigating a serious antisemitic hate crime after an apparent arson attack targeted four ambulances belonging to the Jewish Community Ambulance service in London. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday morning in Golders Green.
Emergency Response and Community Impact
Officers were called to Highfield Road around 1.45am on Monday after receiving reports of a fire. The London Fire Brigade dispatched approximately 40 firefighters to the scene, where multiple cylinders on the vehicles exploded, causing windows to break in nearby flats. No injuries have been reported, according to the fire brigade.
Superintendent Sarah Jackson, who leads policing in the local area, stated: "We know this incident will cause a great deal of community concern and officers remain on scene to carry out urgent enquiries." She added that police are examining CCTV footage and are aware of online videos, with three suspects believed to be involved at this early stage.
Explosions and Evacuations
The explosions heard during the incident are believed to be linked to gas canisters and oxygen tanks on board the ambulances, not explosive devices. As a precaution, nearby homes were evacuated, and road closures remain in place while investigations continue.
Shomrim, a non-profit neighbourhood watch organisation operating in Golders Green, reported being "aware of loud explosions" early on Monday morning. In a post on social media, the group confirmed the deliberate nature of the incident involving Hatzola ambulances being set alight, emphasising that no casualties were reported.
Community Reassurance and Ongoing Patrols
Superintendent Jackson assured the public that police are engaging with faith leaders and carrying out additional patrols in the local area to provide reassurance and maintain a highly visible presence. "There have been no arrests yet, and we would urge anyone with information to please contact us as soon as possible – you can do so anonymously if you wish," she said.
Golders Green ward councillor Dean Cohen, who was at the scene, told Jewish News that the location of the attack in the "car park of a synagogue is particularly chilling and will send shockwaves through our community at a time of already heightened fears over antisemitism in the UK." He called for authorities to take stronger action against such hate crimes.
Operational Continuity and Investigation
Despite the attack, Shomrim confirmed that the Northwest London facility run by fellow Jewish charity Hatzola remains fully operational. The Metropolitan Police continue to treat the incident as an antisemitic hate crime, with urgent enquiries underway to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in this alarming act of arson.
