Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has issued a significant statement addressing the growing threat from Iran following a suspected antisemitic arson attack on Jewish community ambulances in north-west London. The incident, which occurred in Golders Green early Monday morning, saw four Hatzolah ambulances destroyed by fire, with gas canisters inside exploding and causing widespread alarm.
Investigation into Iranian Links
Sir Mark revealed that police are investigating potential connections to an Islamist group with ties to Iran, known as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia. This group allegedly posted footage on Telegram showing a map of the ambulance location and the vehicles ablaze. However, the Commissioner emphasized that it remains "too early" to definitively attribute the attack to the Iranian state, noting this determination falls to counter-terrorism investigators.
Grave Threats from Hostile States
Speaking at the annual dinner of the Community Security Trust, a charity monitoring antisemitism in the UK, Sir Mark described the "rapid growth in recent years of Iranian state threats as grave." He highlighted concerning activities including hostile state surveillance, twenty disrupted plots, and recent attempted attacks on the Iranian diaspora. "This volatile mix is at the front of my mind given events of today," he stated, underscoring the shifting threat landscape facing British Jewish communities.
CCTV footage captured three hooded suspects pouring accelerant on the ambulances before setting them alight and fleeing the scene. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, leading policing for the area, confirmed awareness of an online claim of responsibility but noted it has not yet been verified. Sir Mark assured that all lines of inquiry are being pursued, with additional protective measures implemented for Jewish communities.
Community Impact and Response
The attack has sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents describing being violently awakened by explosions that blew out windows, including those of a nearby synagogue. One witness recounted feeling the blast "right in my guts and body," expressing fear of further attacks as elderly residents were evacuated from adjacent flats. No injuries were reported, but nearby homes were cleared as a precaution, with road closures remaining in effect.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for unity in the face of this "horrific antisemitic attack," while Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis condemned the targeting of the volunteer ambulance service as "particularly sickening." Health Secretary Wes Streeting visited the scene, and the Government has pledged funding for ambulance replacements and immediate health support.
Broader Context of Antisemitic Crime
This incident occurs against a troubling backdrop of rising antisemitism in the UK. Official statistics show Jewish people experience the highest rate of religious hate crimes among any faith group in England and Wales. Recent months have seen deadly attacks, including a synagogue shooting in Manchester in October 2025 that killed two worshippers, and separate charges against two men allegedly spying on Jewish locations for Iran.
Sir Mark concluded by reaffirming the police commitment "to protect, to be visible, to offer reassurance and to keep people safe" as investigations continue into this disturbing attack that has heightened concerns about state-sponsored threats to British communities.
