Officers were called to Highfield Road in Golders Green at approximately 1.45am on Monday following reports of ambulances ablaze. The Metropolitan Police responded swiftly to the incident, which has since been treated as an antisemitic hate crime, highlighting the severity of the attack on a vital community service.
Arrests and Bail Conditions
Two men, aged 47 and 45, both UK nationals, were arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. They have now been released on bail until April, pending further investigation. Commander Helen Flanagan, leading the counter-terrorism policing unit, emphasised that strict bail conditions are in place to monitor the suspects while inquiries continue.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The attacked vehicles were operated by Hatzola Northwest, a Jewish charity established in 1979 that provides free medical transportation and emergency response to both Jewish and non-Jewish individuals in north London. The Met has conducted searches at addresses in Kilburn, King's Cross, and two other locations in north-west London, aiming to uncover all those involved.
Flanagan noted that CCTV footage suggests at least three people were involved in the incident, underscoring the complexity of the case. She reassured the public, particularly the local Jewish community, of the police's commitment to identifying and arresting all perpetrators. The investigation remains active, with appeals for information from the public to assist in bringing justice for this appalling attack.
