An investigation has been launched after four Jewish community ambulances were deliberately set alight in Golders Green, north London, in what police have described as a suspected antisemitic attack. The Metropolitan Police said counter-terrorism officers are leading the inquiry, although the incident has not yet been formally declared a terrorist act.
London Fire Brigade said its control room received 56 calls reporting the fire on Highfield Road in the early hours. Deputy assistant commissioner Paul Askew said crews arrived to find a well-developed fire involving four ambulances, with several cylinders stored inside exploding because of the heat. The blasts damaged windows of a nearby residential block, and residents were evacuated to a rest centre as a precaution. The fire was extinguished overnight.
Detective chief superintendent Luke Williams said CCTV footage appears to show three hooded suspects pouring an accelerant on to the vehicles before igniting them and fleeing. He said the investigation is being led by counter-terrorism policing with all specialist expertise, and all lines of enquiry remain open. Officers are also examining an online claim from a group taking responsibility for the attack, but Mr Williams stressed that establishing the authenticity of the claim would be a priority and it could not yet be confirmed.
Barry Rawlings, the Labour leader of Barnet Council, condemned the attack as “abhorrent”, saying: “The deliberate targeting of Hatzola’s volunteer ambulances, in what the police are treating as a suspected arson attack, is abhorrent. Hate crime in any form will not be tolerated in our borough.” He expressed solidarity with the Jewish community and those affected by the incident.
The Metropolitan Police said it is stepping up support for Jewish communities across London ahead of Passover in early April, with a specific policing plan focused on key community locations. Mr Williams said officers had already spoken to local community and faith leaders and would continue that work, adding: “Together we take a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime.” No arrests have been made, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
