The Prime Minister has denounced a deliberate arson attack on four Jewish community ambulances as a "horrific" and "deeply shocking antisemitic" act of violence. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.
Attack on Volunteer Ambulance Service
Around 1.45am on Monday, three individuals were captured on CCTV setting fire to ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a Jewish community ambulance service, on Highfield Road in Golders Green, north-west London. The attack caused significant damage to the vehicles, with reports of explosions believed to be linked to gas canisters on board.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the assault, though nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution and road closures remained in place throughout the morning. The Metropolitan Police confirmed no arrests have yet been made, with officers actively examining CCTV footage and online evidence to identify the three suspects.
Community and Political Condemnation
Jewish community leaders expressed outrage at the targeted violence. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis described the attack as "particularly sickening," noting that Hatzola's volunteer ambulance corps serves both Jewish and non-Jewish communities with the sole mission of protecting life.
In a statement on social media platform X, Rabbi Mirvis said: "The deliberate arson attacks against Hatzola ambulances in London are a particularly sickening assault – not only on the Jewish community, but on the values we share as a society."
Political leaders across the spectrum united in condemnation. Sir Keir Starmer stated: "This is a deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack. My thoughts are with the Jewish community who are waking up this morning to this horrific news. Antisemitism has no place in our society."
Growing Concerns About Antisemitism
The Israeli embassy in London issued a strong statement declaring that antisemitism has become "rampant" on the streets of the capital. The embassy warned: "Firebombing ambulances is not an anomaly, it is the consequence, after years of hate-filled marches, incitement and intimidation being tolerated in plain sight."
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan called it a "cowardly attack on the Jewish community" and insisted "Londoners will never be cowed by this kind of hatred and intimidation."
Police Response and Investigation
Met Superintendent Sarah Jackson, who leads policing in the local area, acknowledged the incident would cause "a great deal of community concern" and confirmed officers remain on scene conducting urgent enquiries. Additional patrols have been deployed in the local area to provide reassurance and a visible police presence.
"We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage," Superintendent Jackson stated. "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."
Service Continues Despite Attack
Despite the damage to four ambulances, Shomrim confirmed the north-west London facility run by Hatzola remains fully operational. Established in 1979 and run entirely by volunteers, Hatzola provides free medical transportation and emergency response services to residents across North London.
The Chief Rabbi emphasized the symbolic nature of the attack, stating: "The targeting of Hatzola by people so committed to terror, hatred and the desecration of life is a most painful illustration of the ongoing battle between those who sanctify life and those who seek to destroy it."
