Bath Mayor Issues Apology Over Controversial Social Media Posts on Jewish Ambulance Arson
The Mayor of Bath, Dr Bharat Pankhania, has issued a public apology after sharing social media posts that described an arson attack on a Jewish ambulance service as an 'Israeli false flag' operation. The Liberal Democrat councillor, who also serves as a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Exeter Medical School, reposted a series of claims on his personal X account regarding the incident in Golders Green, London.
Details of the Arson Attack and Arrests
In the early hours of Monday morning, the London Fire Brigade responded to a blaze on Highfield Road where four Hatzola ambulances were set alight outside a synagogue. The vehicles were gutted by the fire, with explosions from oxygen tanks on board forcing the evacuation of nearby homes as a precaution. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Two British men, aged 47 and 45, were arrested on Wednesday by counter-terrorism police detectives on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. They have since been bailed until a date in April. Police conducted searches at properties in the Kilburn and Kings Cross areas, as well as two further homes in north-west London.
Mayor's Social Media Activity and Retraction
Dr Pankhania's posts included not only the 'false flag' claim but also suggestions that the incident was insurance fraud. One post questioned why the Jewish community has private ambulances in the UK, according to reports from SomersetLive. Hatzola is a voluntary community organisation that provides transport for patients in need, serving individuals regardless of faith or background, with bases in Manchester, Gateshead, Canvey Island, and Hertfordshire.
After being made aware of the nature of the content, Dr Pankhania deleted the posts and issued a statement expressing regret. He said, 'I have been made aware that I have reposted or replied to some posts which have never aligned to my values and beliefs, and which are abhorrent. I am incredibly apologetic that I have not lived up to the standards I set myself. I have of course deleted them, and I wish to apologise unreservedly.'
Police Investigation and Community Response
The attack is currently being treated as an anti-Semitic hate crime by police, though not classified as a terror attack. Commander Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London emphasised that while the two suspects have been released on bail, strict conditions are in place as investigations continue. She stated, 'We continue to work to try and identify all of those involved in this appalling attack and the investigation team is working around the clock to do this.'
Authorities have appealed to the public for information, urging anyone with details to contact police via reference 415 of March 23 or anonymously through Crimestoppers. Dr Pankhania, a Bath and North East Somerset councillor since 2019 with a background in disease control and general practice, has not commented further, and the council has been approached for additional remarks.
