Counter-terrorism police have made three new arrests in connection with a suspected arson attack on ambulances operated by a Jewish charity in Golders Green, north London. The Metropolitan Police said a 19-year-old man, a 20-year-old man, and a 17-year-old boy were arrested early on Wednesday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.
The three suspects, whose homes in east London are being searched, are in police custody. The two older men are British nationals, while the teenager is a dual British and Pakistani citizen. The arrests follow an incident on 23 March when four ambulances belonging to Hatzola Northwest, a volunteer-run Jewish charity providing free medical transport, were set alight near the Machzike Hadath synagogue.
Two men aged 47 and 45 previously arrested in connection with the attack have been released on bail pending further inquiries. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of the Met's counter-terrorism policing, said: 'We know concern among the Jewish community remains high, but I hope these arrests show that we are doing everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.'
The attack has not been declared terrorism, but the investigation is being led by counter-terrorism detectives due to the circumstances. The Met previously stated it is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime. DCS Luke Williams, leading policing in north-west London, said an enhanced policing plan has been implemented across London, particularly focused on vulnerable areas, to protect communities during the Passover festival.
