Counter-terrorism police leading investigation into ambulance arson attack

Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation into an arson attack on four Jewish community ambulances.

The incident in Golders Green, north-west London, is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime by the Metropolitan Police but not as terrorism at this stage, the force said.

Speaking near the scene on Monday, Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing for the area, said investigators are aware of a group apparently claiming responsibility for the attack online, but have not yet verified whether this is true.

A video has allegedly been posted on Telegram by an Islamist group called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin, showing a map of the location where the ambulances were kept and footage of them on fire.

Mr Williams said: “While this has not been declared a terrorist incident at this stage, the investigation is now being led by Counter Terrorism Policing with all the specialist expertise they bring, and all lines of inquiry remain open.

“We are aware of an online claim from a group taking responsibility for this attack. Establishing the authenticity and accuracy of this claim will be a priority for the investigation team, but it is not something we can confirm at this point.”

CCTV shows three people in hoods pouring accelerant on the vehicles, which belong to Jewish community ambulance service, Hatzola, before setting them on fire and running away.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called for communities to “all stand together” in the face of the “horrific antisemitic attack”, while Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said the targeting of the volunteer service was “particularly sickening”.

Sir Keir said: “Antisemitism has no place in our society and it’s really important that we all stand together at a moment like this.”

Police will give extra support for key Jewish locations around Golders Green both for the coming days and leading up to Passover in early April, Mr Williams said.

“This attack comes at a time when fears are already heightened, given global events and recent attacks targeting Jewish communities in other parts of Europe,” he told journalists.

“The Met Police stands shoulder to shoulder with our partners and communities.”

The government has pledged to fund replacements for the ambulances as well as immediate health support.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who also visited the scene on Monday, said: “The aim of these attackers is clear.

“They want Jewish people in this country to live smaller lives, to live less Jewish lives, to be less visible as Jewish people, to fear going about Jewish life.”

He added: “I know that the Jewish community will not be cowed by this despicable act of evil, but it is the responsibility of the rest of us not to be bystanders.

“Every decent person in this country needs to stand up and speak up against this vile antisemitic hatred.”

Gas canisters kept in the ambulances exploded after they were set alight at the site in Highfield Road, Golders Green, north-west London, around 1.45am on Monday, but no injuries have been reported.

Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution and road closures in the area remain in place.

Residents described being woken in the early hours by the noise, with the force of the explosions blowing out windows, including those of the nearby synagogue.

One man, who lives in Highfield Road, said: “My wife was afraid for her life. People were shouting to just grab a bag and leave but did not tell us where to go. It was very scary and I’m still shaking now.

“We know people who live here with babies, and a lady who suffers from MS, and I haven’t been able to get in touch with them to check they are OK. I am so emotional about it.

“There is security at the synagogue during the day, but I am not sure at night. We need a fence or something to protect us now.”

The Chief Rabbi said in a statement on X: “The deliberate arson attacks against Hatzola ambulances in London are a particularly sickening assault – not only on the Jewish community, but on the values we share as a society.

“Our Hatzola volunteer ambulance corps is an extraordinary service, whose sole mission is to protect life, Jewish and non-Jewish alike.

“The targeting of Hatzola by people so committed to terror, hatred and the desecration of life is a most painful illustration of the ongoing battle between those who sanctify life and those who seek to destroy it.

“At a time when Jewish communities around the world are facing a growing pattern of these violent attacks, we will meet this moment with shared resolve and stand together against hatred and intimidation.”

Hatzola, which was established in 1979 and is run by volunteers, provides free medical transportation and emergency response to those living in North London.

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said it was a “cowardly attack on the Jewish community” and insisted “Londoners will never be cowed by this kind of hatred and intimidation”.

Peter Zinkin, who represents the Golders Green ward on Barnet Council, told the Press Association that his “initial response is shock and horror as you would expect, but the second response is a deep and overwhelming sadness that this has happened”.

Fellow councillor Dean Cohen said: “It is a despicable act, not only to attack the Jewish community, but to attack ambulances, ambulances that are there to save lives day in, day out, 24/7, is a new low.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury condemned the “appalling antisemitic attack”, while the British Medical Association (BMA) criticised “deliberate attacks on healthcare services” as “reprehensible”.

Damon Hoff, president of Machzike Hadath Synagogue, where the ambulances were parked, said the community was feeling vulnerable.

He said: “When you attack a place of worship, and you attack ambulances, you’re going for the very heart and core of what’s decent about this country, and there must be outrage for that.

“The political establishment needs to know that there are many decent Britons that are going to feel vulnerable. In a time like this, you need the very best of humanity.

“The community is feeling vulnerable and feeling frightened, but we’re not going to let that get us down.”