Counter-terrorism police have arrested three people in connection with a suspected arson attack on ambulances operated by a Jewish charity in Golders Green, north London. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a 19-year-old man, a 20-year-old man, and a 17-year-old boy were taken into custody early on Wednesday.
The three suspects were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. Their homes in east London were being searched by officers. The two older men are British nationals, while the 17-year-old holds dual British and Pakistani citizenship.
The alleged attack occurred on 23 March in the early hours at Highfield Road, near the Machzike Hadath synagogue. Four ambulances belonging to Hatzola Northwest, a volunteer-run Jewish charity providing free medical transport and emergency response, were set on fire.
Two men, aged 47 and 45, previously arrested in connection with the incident were released on bail last Thursday pending further enquiries. 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 incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, although it has not been formally declared as terrorism. The investigation is led by counter-terrorism detectives due to the circumstances. DCS Luke Williams noted that an enhanced policing plan has been implemented across London, particularly around vulnerable areas, as the Jewish community enters the Passover festival period.
