Police are investigating an arson attack on four ambulances run by a Jewish charity in north London.
The ambulances belonging to Hatzola were set on fire in Golders Green in the early hours of Monday morning.
The attack was condemned as “cowardly” by London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called it “deeply shocking” and ‘”horrific”.
In an update shortly after 11.30am, police revealed the investigation is being led by counter-terror officers, although the attack is not yet being treated as terror-related.
Speaking near the scene, 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.
A video is believed to have 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.
CCTV footage circulating on social media shows three people wearing masks walking behind an ambulance at 1.36am and appearing to set it on fire. A separate clip shows what appears to be the same three individuals running away from the scene.
Follow the latest updates below...
Key Points
- CCTV footage shows attack suspects
- Starmer: It's important we stand together
- Streeting condemns 'despicable act of evil'
- What is Hatzola?
- Khan condemns 'cowardly' attack
- Photos show attack aftermath
Swinney 'horrified' by attack
19:44 , Alastair LockhartScotland's First Minister has said he was "horrified" by the arson attacks on four ambulances belonging to a Jewish community charity in London.
In a post on X on Monday afternoon John Swinney said: "I am horrified to see the attacks on the Jewish community charity ambulances in London.
"Violence and antisemitism are completely unacceptable in our society.
"I extend my sympathy to the Jewish community at this attack."
Earlier the Metropolitan Police said the incident in Golders Green is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, but not as terrorism at this stage.
Police launch appeal to public over arson attack
19:25 , Alastair LockhartPolice have provided an update on their investigation into the arson attack.
Counter-terror police appealed for anyone with footage or information of the incident to come forward and said its officers were analysing CCTV.
Police added they were aware of a group claiming responsibility for the attack, referenced by Nigel Farage in a social media post, and were working to establish the authenticity of the claim.
No arrests have yet been made.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London said: “We’re aware this attack has caused a great amount of concern amongst the Jewish and wider community in the area, but I want to reassure the public that we have officers working around the clock to identify those responsible.
“We’ve already gathered a large amount of CCTV footage from the local area and taken a number of statements from witnesses. But we know local people may also have footage or information that could be relevant, so we would urge anyone who may have information that could help with our investigation to get in touch.
“We will continue to work closely with our frontline policing colleagues in the area and we thank the local community for their ongoing support as we continue with this investigation.”
Farage warns of 'terror cell in north London'
18:53 , Alastair LockhartReform UK leader Nigel Farage has warned of a “terror cell” operating in north London following the arson attack.
He called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to take stronger action to tackle antisemitism and terrorism in a video posted to social media.
The attack in Golders Green is being investigated by counter-terror police, but is not currently being treated as a terrorist incident.
There is now a terror cell in north London.
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) March 23, 2026
The fifth column is here. pic.twitter.com/QiHHBk1qpf
Government 'must do more to fight antisemitism'
18:37 , Alastair Lockhart“The Government must do a lot more to fight antisemitism”, the shadow home secretary has said.
Chris Philp told the Commons that "antisemitism often goes hand in hand with Islamist extremism" and later claimed "94 per cent of terrorist murders in the last 25 years were perpetrated by Islamists and yet only 10 per cent of the Prevent caseload is Islamist".
Mr Philp said he had previously called on Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to use her immigration power "to remove any foreign national who expresses extremist views, sympathy for violence or terrorism, or antisemitism or any other religious hatred".
Bishop sends 'solidarity' to Jewish community
18:02 , Alastair LockhartThe Bishop of Edmonton, who lives in Golders Green, said he stands in "unwavering solidarity with our Jewish neighbours" following the attack.
The Rt Revd Dr Anderson Jeremiah said in a statement: "There is absolutely no place for antisemitism in our society. We have seen a steady and alarming increase in antisemitic hate crimes across the country, fuelled by increasingly polarised rhetoric."
He added: "The events of last night serve as a sobering reminder of how deeply we are all connected, and how global tensions can manifest as local tragedies.
"Earlier today, I visited Damon Hoff, President and chair of Machzike Hadath Synagogue. His congregation sits directly adjacent to where these ambulances were set ablaze, a chilling proximity that underscores the gravity of the threat faced by our community.
"As a resident of Golders Green, I am appalled by the cowardly and mindless arson attack on a local medical emergency charity last night. This act of violence is a direct assault on the values of care and compassion that define our neighbourhood."
"We stand in unwavering solidarity with our Jewish neighbours. Let there be peace," he said.
Security minister condemns arson
17:45 , Alastair LockhartThe government’s security minister, Dan Jarvis, has condemned the arson attack in a statement to the House of Commons.
Mr Jarvis said police have mounted a “relentless national security effort” as he pledged the Government's "unwavering commitment" to defeat antisemitism.
He added: "I know that for many, this outrage will not have come as a surprise, occurring as it has at a time of profound distress and vulnerability within our Jewish communities.
"Given the vicious torrent of antisemitism that was unleashed following the October the 7th attacks, a dreadful manifestation of which we saw, to our horror, in Manchester last year, when Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue was the subject of a sickening act of terrorism on Yom Kippur.
"Today, as at that profoundly difficult moment, and as in the aftermath of the subsequent atrocity on Bondi Beach in Sydney, we declare once more that we stand with our Jewish friends, colleagues and neighbours, and with the oldest hatred on the rise we assert our unwavering commitment to defeat it.
"The Prime Minister has been clear that this Government will lead the way, including through a relentless national security effort, which is being mounted around the clock by MI5 and the police, who of course, have our full backing in their work to detect and disrupt plots targeting the Jewish community in our country."
Each destroyed ambulance worth around £250k
17:03 , Matt WattsDovi Segal, an active member and former chairman of the North West London Hatzola, said: "I think the community are very shocked that an organisation that they can rely on in their times of need has been the subject of such an attack, that makes them feel even more vulnerable.
"This site was identified as a central location for our members. The ambulances are here so that we can get the quickest response possible."
Regarding the services Hatzola provides, Mr Pincus said: "Our ambulances attend pretty much everything, from a cut finger to a suspected cardiac arrest.
"We are working to be there in people's times of needs, regardless of their association or denomination within the community or the local area, we respond to anyone.
"The ambulances are fully front line ready with the same stock as London Ambulance would have. Realistically there is about a quarter of a million pounds per ambulance and they are made bespoke to our requirements.
'Quite clear there's a problem with rising attacks on Jewish people' - Badenoch
16:27 , Matt WattsKemi Badenoch said the antisemitic arson attack demonstrated “an increase in the hatred of Jews”.
The Conservative Party leader said: “Showing action, not just words, I think, is what Jewish people want to see.”
Speaking on a visit in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, Ms Badenoch said: “It’s quite clear that there is a particular problem with rising attacks on Jewish people. There is an increase in the hatred of Jews.”
She added: “I think that we need to do more than just telling Jewish people to have more security. I think it’s appalling that I go to Jewish primary schools and they’ve got security guards standing outside.”
Ms Badenoch said antisemitism comes from “many places”.
“We need to root out this hatred from its source. It’s coming from many places, a lot of misinformation, and even in some extreme cases, extreme Islamist groups,” she said.
She added: “The rhetoric coming from the Government has to be about ensuring, not just the safety of Jews, but that we will leave no stone unturned in catching the people who carry out these crimes. Showing action, not just words, I think, is what Jewish people want to see.”
'Worst nightmares were born'
16:15 , Tom PlaceInternet personality and grandson of Auschwitz survivor Lily Ebert, Dov Forman said: “So it would have been incredibly shocking to wake up to see those ambulances a flame. But ultimately, not surprising at all.
“We all knew it was a question of when, not if, and ultimately today, those worst nightmares were born.”
Mr Forman has more than 2 million followers across social media, having gained fame after sharing videos of his late grandmother Lily Ebert.
He said of his grandmother, “I'm actually glad that my great grandmother isn't alive to see this, not only to see this, but to see the levels of hatred that we've seen over the past two years.
“It's got so much worse since October 7th and she came to this country in the hope that she would be able to live a proud Jewish life openly again.”
Mahmood: Perpetrators will face the consequences
16:02 , Tom PlaceHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood has vowed to make those who attacked Hatzola “face the consequences of this wicked crime”.
She thanked the police and fire services who responded “with speed and professionalism” to ensure no one was hurt when speaking in the Commons today.
Mahmood said: “An investigation is underway. We know the Metropolitan Police are treating this as an antisemitic hate crime and have stepped up their support to Jewish communities across London.
“That the attack was directed at Hatzola, a community ambulance service, an institution devoted to saving lives, illustrates how warped those behind this attack are.
“I am pleased that the Health Secretary is providing replacement ambulances but clearly justice is required.
“There have as yet been no arrests, but the perpetrators must be in no doubt – we will pursue them and make them face the consequences of this wicked crime.”
'This act was as low as you can get'
15:46 , Tom PlaceMothers Debbie Paster and Miriam Landau have been serving tea to emergency services from the Youth Committee stand on Golders Green Road.
Mrs Paster said: “It was a matter of when not if. This act was as low as you can get. It’s inhumane to attack an ambulance service.”
She added that she returned from Israel six days ago and felt safer there “with rockets overhead” than in Golders Green.
Security has become part of everyday life, she says.
'Jewish people can’t fight it on their own'
15:33 , Tom PlaceDaphne Kirk travelled all the way from Cambridge this morning to show Golders Green’s Jewish community that “they are not alone”.
The founder of the charity Generation to Generation, Daphne said: “It was the sensible thing to do. The Jewish people can’t fight it on their own.”
Whilst Ms Kirk is not Jewish herself, she added that such “cultural change” requires involvement from everyone.
Police cordon installed near attack site
15:10 , Tom PlaceForensic officers are currently carrying out searches on a residential street near to Highfield Road where the attack occurred.
A police cordon preventing people from entering part of Brookside Road has been put in place.
Starmer: Attack will impact Jewish community across the country
15:01 , Tom PlaceSir Keir Starmer told Commons Liaison Committee that he felt “disgust” at the arson attack in Golders Green.
The Prime Minister said: “The idea that ambulances could be considered a target is simply horrendous.”
Starmer added that the attack will not only impact the area but also “the whole Jewish community across the country, not least because this is not an isolated incident and the rise of antisemitic hatred is there for all to see”.
“The idea that we live in a society where people should feel they need to hide their identity or their religion is, frankly, abhorrent,” he said.
'We feel very unsafe here'
14:45 , Tom PlaceMichelle, 21, spoke to The Standard at the site of the attack in Golders Green today.
Here is what she said:
Starmer meets Jewish leaders
14:36 , Tom PlaceSir Keir Starmer has met with Jewish community leaders in Downing Street this morning to discuss the attack in Golders Green.
After the meeting, Michael Wegier, chief executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, told the Press Association that Jews should feel “safe but anxious.”
Wegier said: “There’s a very long, thousands of years, history of Jews who have, at the same time, felt anxious but felt resilient.
“I think resilience is the key word I would use to describe what the Jewish community needs now.
“I don’t think any of us would say we feel as safe as we did five years ago. There’s clearly been a decline, the figures show that.
“I am not sensing hysteria or panic in the Jewish community. The resilience is cutting through. But I think I have to be honest, we are feeling less safe than we did a few years ago.”
Who are Hatzola?
14:28 , Tom PlaceEstablished in 1979, Hatzola is a non-profit, volunteer-run organisation which provides an emergency medical response to those living in north London.
The service is staffed by 47 emergency first responders, 24 dispatchers and four ambulances who are on call 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
As many volunteers live within the communities they serve, they are often able to reach patients within minutes, in some cases ahead of other emergency service vehicles.
Counter-terror police probe responsibility claim
13:50 , Michael HowieCounter-terrorism police are investigating an online claim by a suspected terror group taking responsibility for the attack.
A Telegram post from Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, in which it claims to be behind the arson, has circulated online and was shown to the Press Association by a member of the Jewish community at the scene in Golders Green, north-west London.
An unverified video posted at 6.13am on Monday on its Telegram channel showed street view Google Maps images of the ambulances and footage of explosions.
At the start of the video posted on Telegram, a message in English said the group’s primary target was the Machzike Hadath Synagogue due to its links to Israel.
The post also cited Conservative former prime minister Rishi Sunak’s visit to the synagogue during the election campaign in June 2024 to express “his country’s unwavering support for Israel”.
Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, which translates to the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, is a new terrorism group with suspected links to pro-Iranian networks, according to Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism.
The group previously claimed responsibility for several attacks on Jewish sites in Belgium and the Netherlands between March 9 and March 14, according to the Israeli ministry.
'I’m still shaking now'
13:20 , Tom PlaceA resident of Highfield Road, who did not want to be named, told the Press Association that he and his wife were evacuated last night after the arson attack.
With tears in his eyes, he 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.”
He said there has been no communication with officials since he was evacuated this morning.
“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 okay. I am so emotional about it.”
He added: “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.”
'Antisemitism has arrived on our doorstep'
13:08 , Tom PlaceDonny, 27, lives in the area with his family. His parent’s home, located close to the scene, is covered in ash and debris from the fire.
He said: “There’s a tangible feeling that this antisemitism has actually arrived on our doorstep.
“I’m not here to comment on who’s right or wrong but one person’s actions somewhere else should not mean this for us here.”
Donny added that there is a necessary security presence everywhere in Golders Green from supermarkets to schools, but questions when the community will be able to live without fear.
He has personally used Hatzola twice in the past year, adding the ambulance service is an investment for everyone, not just the Jewish community.
'We expected something like this'
12:50 , Tom PlaceSon of Hendon Councillor Shimon Ryde, Yoel Meir Ryde, 19, said he came with his father to the scene last night.
They assisted with bringing displaced people into the hall and providing aid where it was needed.
Mr Meir said: “We expected something like this. Antisemitism is on the rise.
“It’s scary because first they start with the ambulances and next, maybe they’ll attack our shuls (synagogue).”
Chief Rabbi: We won't be intimidated
12:43 , Tom PlaceThe chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis has said that the Jewish community will not be “cowed” or “intimidated” following the attack in Golders Green.
Speaking to the Press Association, Mirvis said: “Our response is one of strength, of fortitude, of resilience. The synagogue alongside which this happened, they’re going to be back in action, afternoon service, evening service, today.
“And in fact, our response will be not only to continue in strength, but we’re going to be much stronger, because we’re not going to be cowed.
“We’re not going to be intimidated by terrorists, and this was a terrorist attack.
“Nothing’s going to stop us from standing tall as Jews and behaving in a way, according to our tradition, as proud British citizens.”
'I don’t feel safe now'
12:34 , Tom PlaceJacob, a resident in his twenties, said the attack was upsetting but not surprising.
Since October 7th, he has feared wearing his kippah in public and had considered moving to Israel out of fear.
He said: “I’ve lived here my whole life and I don’t feel safe now.
“There’s been a big rise in antisemitism. It’s not surprising - It’s part of every day life.”
He added that he wants more action from politicians to protect minorities.
'Today is the lowest of lows'
12:20 , Tom PlaceThe Standard reporter Niva Yadav is on the scene at Golders Green.
Large groups have gathered outside the crime scene, including members of the Hasidic and Orthodox Jewish community.
Bernard Heilpern, volunteer from Hatzola, said the attack is both surprising and upsetting.
He said: “Today is the lowest of lows. We don’t just service Jews - we help anyone in need. We don’t discriminate. We’ve treated Christians, Muslims, Non-Jews.”
He added their fleet has now been almost wiped out, having a “massive” impact on the Jewish and local community who use the service.
“It's scary times” he said.
Attack had 'hallmarks of Iran-backed attack'
12:14 , Tom PlaceIsraeli embassy sources have told the Telegraph that the attack in Golders Green had the hallmarks of an Iran-backed attack.
It follows similar incidents across Europe in recent weeks, raising concerns that Tehran is mounting a concerted campaign of attacks.
Two Iranians were charged last week with spying on Jews in London for Tehran, while a separate Iranian man is set to appear in court today after he and an accomplice allegedly tried to enter Britain’s most important nuclear base.
LFB received 56 calls
12:07 , Tom PlacePaul Askew, deputy assistant commissioner for the London Fire Brigade (LFB), has also given a statement at the scene of the attack in Golders Green.
Askew said that the LGB had received 56 calls about the attack, which involved the explosion of several cylinders stored in the vehicles.
Askew said: “Upon arrival, crews were met with a well-developed fire involving four ambulances. Several cylinders stored within the vehicles exploded because of the heat, causing damage to the windows of a nearby residential block.
“Residents from the immediate area were evacuated to a rest centre as a precaution while crews worked to bring the incident under control. The fire was safely extinguished overnight.
“We understand the impact this fire will have on the local community, including our Jewish residents. The Brigade’s community engagement team attended the rest centre last night to support residents that have been directly impacted by the fire.
“Alongside our firefighters, they will continue to work with and support the local community in the coming days.”
Met Police supporting Jewish communities
11:55 , Tom PlaceContinuing his statement, DCS Williams said the Metropolitan Police will be supporting Jewish communities across London after the attack.
He said: “We have already spoken to local community and faith leaders and will continue that work today.
“A specific policing plan focused on key community locations across the area is under way and will continue beyond the coming days as we move towards Passover in early April.
“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.
“The Met Police stands shoulder to shoulder with our partners and communities. Together we take a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime.
“We are stepping up our support to Jewish communities across London to engage, offer reassurance and take practical action to protect people and property.”
Counter-terrorism police now leading the investigation
11:46 , Tom PlaceDetective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams has confirmed that counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the attack.
Speaking at the scene, Williams said no arrests have yet me made, adding that at this stage the attack has not been declared as a terrorist incident, as officers examine the authenticity of a claim made by a group taking responsibility.
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 enquiry 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.”
Police and Fire Brigade to speak
11:36 , Tom PlaceThe Met Police and the London Fire Brigade are currently addressing the media.
We'll bring you all the key information from their statements shortly.
Hatzola: Our service continues unbroken
11:22 , Tom PlaceLaurence Blitz, speaking on behalf of Hatzola alongside Wes Streeting, has called the incident "shocking in the extreme".
Blitz said the work of the emergency services who responded to the attack had been "magnificent", and that Hatzola was very grateful for the replacement ambulances that will be provided.
Blitz said: "Our phones haven't stopped. Our volunteers are responding to call-outs and our service continues unbroken."
Government to fund replacement ambulances
10:58 , Tom PlaceWes Streeting confirmed that the four ambulances damaged in the attack will be replaced with loan ambulances by tomorrow morning, and the government will fund the replacements.
Streeting said: “The Jewish community should not be left footing the bill for this appalling attack on a brilliant ambulance service.”
Streeting condemns 'despicable act of evil'
10:45 , Tom PlaceHealth secretary Wes Streeting has just spoken at the site of the attack in Golders Green.
He said the attack was as an "act of evil" on London's Jewish community, adding that the whole country will stand with them.
Streeting said: “Those responsible for this attack must know that the Jewish community will not face up to this hatred alone.
"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.
"I know that the Jewish community will not be cowed by this despicable act of evil."
He added: "Antisemitism is an old hatred, but it is alive and kicking in our country and all of us, particularly those who are not Jewish, have to wake up, stand up and work with our Jewish friends and neighbours in confronting and defeating this despicable hatred.”
Streeting also confirmed that the four ambulances damaged in the attack will be replaced by tomorrow morning.
CCTV footage shows attack suspects
10:29 , Tom PlaceCCTV footage shows the moment the arsonists targeted four Jewish Community Ambulance service vehicles in the early hours of this morning.
Three suspects can be seen on the CCTV footage in Highfield Road, Golders Green.
BREAKING: Video shows 3 hooded men poor gas, ignite the blaze and flee the scene of a massive Hatzolah ambulance arson attack in Golders Green, London. pic.twitter.com/STpJojH7tz
— KolHaolam (@KolHaolam) March 23, 2026
Council leader 'appalled' by 'abhorrent' attack
10:19 , Tom PlaceBarry Rawlings, the Labour leader of Barnet Council, has said the attack was “abhorrent”, and that hate crime in any form will not be tolerated.
In a statement, Rawlings said: “We are deeply shocked and appalled by this antisemitic attack in the heart of our Jewish community. The deliberate targeting of Hatzola’s volunteer ambulances, in what the police are treating as a suspected arson attack, is abhorrent. We will do everything in our power to support the police to bring those responsible to justice.
“Our thoughts are first and foremost with those affected – the volunteers who dedicate their time to saving lives and to our wider community who will feel understandably shaken and distressed by this attack.
“Hate crime in any form will not be tolerated in our borough. An attack on one part of our community is an attack on us all. We stand in full solidarity with our Jewish residents and with all the other communities who make up Golders Green and who are feeling vulnerable today as a result of this cowardly act.”
Starmer: It's important we stand together
09:58 , Tom PlaceSir Keir Starmer has said that antisemitism "has no place in our society" as he condemned the "horrific” in Golders Green in the early hours of this morning.
Speaking during a visit to a school in south-east London, Starmer said: "It's really important that we all stand together at a moment like this."
Following the attack, which saw four community ambulances set on fire, Starmer said that his thoughts are with the Jewish community across the country.
Pennycook: 'An attack on us all'
09:28 , Tom PlaceSpeaking to Sky News this morning, housing minister Matthew Pennycook called the ambulance attack "deeply shocking".
Pennycook said if the incident was confirmed to be an anti-Jewish hate crime, it would be "not only an affront to the Jewish community, but an attack on us all".
He added the attack reinforced the need to invest in initiatives providing security to Jewish institutions like schools and synagogues.
Met Police statement
08:59 , Tom PlaceThe Metropolitan Police has released a statement after the attack in the early hours of this morning.
The statement reads: "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.
"At around 01:45hrs on Monday, 23 March police were called by the London Fire Brigade to reports of a fire on Highfield Road, Golders Green. Officers attended the scene where four Hatzalah ambulances were on fire.
"Nearby houses have been evacuated as a precaution and road closures remain in place. No injuries have been reported and all the fires have been put out.
“We are aware of reports of explosions - this is believed to be linked to gas cannisters onboard the ambulances."
Photos show attack aftermath
08:43 , Tom PlaceMore images show the scale of the destruction after four ambulances were set ablaze in Golders Green this morning.
Burnt vehicle parts can be seen around the parking lot, with black marks and debris all over the ground.
Three of the four ambulances are completely destroyed, with the fourth also seeing extensive damage.
Local man describes moment ambulance 'exploded'
08:30 , Tom PlaceA local man has spoken to Sky News about the "terrifying moment" one of the ambulances exploded.
Max Reisner said that he arrived at the scene just as the ambulance was “blowing up" and described a "very loud explosion".
"You sort of felt it go through your guts. Very terrifying moment to actually see an ambulance go up in flames. We're all still reeling from the shock,” he said.
Khan condemns 'cowardly' attack
08:17 , Tom PlaceLondon Mayor Sadiq Khan has slammed the “cowardly” attack on the Jewish community in a post on X.
Khan said “Londoners will never be cowed by this kind of hatred and intimidation.”
This is a cowardly attack on the Jewish community.
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) March 23, 2026
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. https://t.co/KFCqHXToW0
Attack compared to European incidents by trust
08:12 , Tom PlaceThe charity Community Security Trust (CST), which provides security and monitors antisemitism in the UK, said that it was assisting police in their enquiries.
The trust has also compared this morning’s attack to similar incidents that have taken place in Europe recently.
The charity posted on X: "We are aware of multiple Hatzola ambulances that have been deliberately set alight in London.
"This has obvious comparison to similar antisemitic arson attacks recently in Belgium and the Netherlands."
Reports of antisemitic incidents have risen in the UK since the October 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel that began the war in Gaza.
Chief Rabbi condemns attack
07:57 , Tom PlaceChief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis has condemned the arson attacks in a post on X.
Mirvis called the attack a “particularly sickening assault” on the Jewish community and the values we share as a society.
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.
— Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis (@chiefrabbi) March 23, 2026
Our Hatzola volunteer ambulance corps is an extraordinary service, whose sole mission is to…
Starmer: 'Antisemitism has no place in our society'
07:49 , Tom PlaceSir Keir Starmer has condemned the “horrific” attack in a statement on X.
The prime minister said his thoughts are with the Jewish community after the “deeply shocking” attack , and urged anyone with information to come forward to the police.
This is a deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) March 23, 2026
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. https://t.co/P5J1ETaEsE
Here are the latest pictures from the scene, as members of the media gather next to a police cordon.
Local councillor: Attack will 'send shockwaves through our community'
07:36 , Tom PlaceGolders Green ward councillor Dean Cohen, who was at the scene, says the attack will "send shockwaves through our community".
Cohen told Jewish News the fact the incident took place in the “car park of a synagogue is particularly chilling and will send shockwaves through our community at a time of already heightened fears over antisemitism in the UK”.
He said: “It’s beyond time for the authorities to wake and do more to tackle this hate running riot.”
What is Hatzola?
07:27 , Tom PlaceHatzola, which derives its name from the Hebrew word for save, is a large non-profit volunteer organisation that gives Jewish people emergency medical care and transportation to hospital.
Hatzola has served Golders Green since 1979, and responds to thousands of emergencies each year in North London, from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions.
Streeting slams 'sickening' attack
07:19 , Tom PlaceHealth Secretary West Streeting has condemned the attack in a post on X.
He called for anyone with information to come forward to the police, and called for people to “stand together against antisemitic hatred.”
This is a sickening attack on Jewish ambulances.
— Wes Streeting (@wesstreeting) March 23, 2026
Thank goodness there appear to be no injuries.
Anyone with information should come forward to the Police.
We must stand together against antisemitic hatred. https://t.co/vAM7Z7WeJB
Drone pictures show aftermath of the attack
07:16 , Tom PlacePhotos taken by a drone show the extent of the damage from the fire this morning.
Shomrim condemns 'antisemitic attack'
07:11 , Tom PlaceJewish neighbourhood watch group Shomrim has said it condemns "the deliberate antisemitic attack" in Golders Green.
A Shomrim spokesperson said: "We strongly condemn the deliberate antisemitic attack on Hatzola ambulances in NW London.
"This was not only a criminal act of arson, but a targeted and deeply concerning incident affecting a vital emergency service serving the Jewish community.
"An attack on these ambulances is an attack on the safety, well-being, and resilience of our community.
"We are working closely with the police and all relevant authorities and assisting with the ongoing investigation.
"There is no place for antisemitism or hate in our society. We stand united and will continue to support and protect our community."
We are aware of loud explosions heard in the past hour.
— Shomrim (North West London) (@shomrimlondon) March 23, 2026
Emergency services are on scene following a deliberate incident involving #Hatzola ambulances being set alight. The explosions were caused by oxygen tanks not a bomb or explosive device.
Hatzola NW remain fully operational.… pic.twitter.com/Hz3rIVjTRS
Four ambulances set ablaze
07:08 , Tom PlaceThe London Fire Brigade has confirmed that six fire engines and around 40 firefighters attended the fire in Golders Green this morning, with four Hatzola ambulances set ablaze.
The first of 56 calls alerting them to the fire at was made at 1.40am, and it was under control by 3.06am.
No injuries have currently been reported.
CCTV footage shows attack suspects
07:01 , Tom PlaceThe Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are examining CCTV to find the suspects behind the attack in Golders Green, confirming they are "looking for three suspects at this early stage".
Footage shared online shows three people heading towards the vehicles.
BREAKING: Video shows 3 hooded men poor gas, ignite the blaze and flee the scene of a massive Hatzolah ambulance arson attack in Golders Green, London. pic.twitter.com/STpJojH7tz
— KolHaolam (@KolHaolam) March 23, 2026
