Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation into the arson attacks on Hatzolah ambulances in the early hours of Monday morning.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, the head of policing in north west London, said in a statement that although the incident had not officially been declared terror-related, “the investigation is now being led by Counter Terrorism Policing with all the specialist expertise they bring, and all lines of enquiry remain open”.
A video circulating online purporting to be from Iran-linked group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia appeared to claim responsibility for the attack, a claim the police said they were looking to verify.
"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,” Williams said.
He reaffirmed that the police were treating the incident as an “antisemitic hate crime”, adding: “This is a devastating incident for our Jewish communities and we have launched an immediate investigation to identify those responsible.”
Four ambulances belonging to Hatzolah were destroyed in the attack. Police said they were looking for three suspects and urged anyone with information to contact them.
"There have been no arrests at this early stage, and we would urge anyone with information to please contact us as soon as possible – you can do so anonymously if you wish.
"We have already spoken to local community and faith leaders and will continue that work today. A specific policing plan focussed on key community locations across the area is underway and will continue beyond the coming days as we move towards Passover in early April.”
Williams addressed the concern among Jewish communities “at a time when fears are already heightened given global events and recent attacks targeting Jewish communities in other parts of Europe”, a likely reference to similar attacks in Belgium and the Netherlands.
He went on to say: "The Met Police stands shoulder to shoulder with our partners and communities. Together we take a zero tolerance approach to hate crime.”
Political party leaders have condemned the attack in Golders Green. The prime minister said: “An attack on our Jewish community is an attack on us all. We will fight the poison that is antisemitism.”
Lord Hermer, the attorney-general and one of the most senior Jewish ministers in government, described how “deeply shocked and appalled” he was by the attacks on the ambulances.
In a post on social media site LinkedIn he said: “These vehicles exist to save lives — to serve everyone in our community — and targeting them is not only a criminal act but a hateful one.
“The Jewish community must be able to live, worship, and serve others in peace and safety. This Government and this Prime Minister will not waver in our commitment to tackling hatred in all its forms."
To get more news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.