Hatzola ambulances set ablaze in ‘antisemitic arson attack’

Subsequent clips show an explosion, prompting a larger blaze, as firefighters arrive on the scene.

No injuries were reported and all the fires are now under control, authorities have confirmed.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “An investigation has been launched after four ambulances belonging to the Jewish Community Ambulance service were set on fire in Golders Green.

“Officers remain on scene and the arson attack is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.

"Nearby houses have been evacuated as a precaution and road closures remain in place.

"We are aware of reports of explosions - this is believed to be linked to gas cannisters onboard the ambulances.”

Superintendent Sarah Jackson, who leads policing in the local area, added: “We know this incident will cause a great deal of community concern and officers remain on scene to carry out urgent enquiries. We are in the process of examining CCTV and are aware of online footage. We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage.

“There have been no arrests yet, and we would urge anyone with information to please contact us as soon as possible - you can do so anonymously if you wish.

“We will be engaging with faith leaders and carrying out additional patrols in the local area as we continue our investigation to provide reassurance and a highly visible presence.”

Condemning the attack as “a particularly sickening assault,” Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis wrote on X: “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.”

Likewise, Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky, co-leaders of the Movement for Progressive Judaism, said: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the antisemitic arson attack on Hatzola volunteer ambulances serving the Jewish community in Golders Green.

“These vehicles represent care in its most immediate form, people responding to others in moments of fear, illness and need. To see them destroyed is painful, and will be felt by many.

“We hold the volunteers of Hatzola, and the wider community, in our thoughts. We are grateful that no one was physically hurt, and thankful to the emergency services who responded so quickly.

“In moments like this, communities draw closer, held together by care, concern and a shared sense of responsibility for one another.”

A CST spokesperson said: “The antisemitic arson attack against Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green has obvious comparison to similar recent attacks in Belgium and the Netherlands.

"No injuries have been reported at this time and we are helping Met Police Barnet with their enquiries.”

The statement referred to an explosion at a synagogue in Liège, Belgium, earlier this month, which the city’s mayor called a “violent act of antisemitism”, as well as a similar incident at a Jewish primary school in Amsterdam.

A new, Iran-linked extremist group calling itself Ashab Al Yamin has claimed responsibility for both of those attacks.

The group has since claimed responsibility for the Hatzola arson but, unlike previous cases, it has not released footage of its operatives committing the attack, suggesting it may be claiming “credit” opportunistically.

A spokesperson for the Jewish Leadership Council said: “We are horrified by the antisemitic arson attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green this morning.

“Hatzola ambulances provide an extraordinary, life-saving service to Jews and non-Jews alike. It is particularly sickening that someone's hatred of Jews drives them to target vital ambulance services in this way. We are relieved that no one has been harmed.

“It is essential that those responsible are brought to justice.

“This attack comes in the context of a tidal wave of hatred against Jewish people in recent years. It has been almost six months since a deadly Islamist attack on a synagogue in this country. We have also seen other plots foiled by the work of the security services.

“This is not just an attack on Jews but an attack on Britain and its values. Our society can't just be outraged, it must act to show that extremism and hatred will not be tolerated.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: “This is a deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack.

“My thoughts are with the Jewish community who are waking up this morning to this horrific news. Antisemitism has no place in our society.

“Anyone with any information must come forward to the police.”

And London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “This is a cowardly attack on the Jewish community.

“I am in close contact with the police who are stepping up patrols in the area, and I urge anyone with information to come forward.

“Londoners will never be cowed by this kind of hatred and intimidation.”

Elsewhere, Daniel Burger, CEO of the UK branch of the Magen David Adom emergency service, said: “Our thoughts are with the amazing volunteers and supporters of Hatzola who have woken this morning to the sight of a horrific antisemitic hate crime against them and their life-saving work in London.

“The thoughts of Magen David Adom’s staff and volunteers are with our colleagues at Hatzola this morning and every other day as they go about saving lives.

“First responder volunteers delivering emergency support are a cornerstone of any civilised nation. Attacks on them are despicable attacks on us all.”

Anyone with information about the arson should call police on 101, quoting reference CAD415 of 23 March.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.