Two men have been arrested in connection with a suspected antisemitic arson attack in which four ambulances belonging to Jewish charity Hatzola were set ablaze in north London.
The suspects, aged 45 and 47, were detained by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
Authorities described the arrests as a “significant breakthrough” but cautioned that investigations remain ongoing, with CCTV footage indicating at least three individuals may have been involved.
Attack in Golders Green sparks fear
The incident occurred in Golders Green, an area with a sizable Jewish population, in the early hours of Monday. Explosions triggered by oxygen and gas canisters inside the ambulances shattered nearby windows and forced some residents to evacuate.
While no injuries were reported, three ambulances were completely destroyed and another severely damaged, raising alarm within the local community already concerned about rising antisemitism.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the incident, calling it a “deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack” and asserting that “antisemitism has no place in our society” as authorities continue their investigation.
Hate crime angle; international links probed
Police are treating the case as an antisemitic hate crime, though it has not been formally classified as terrorism. The probe is being led by counter-terrorism officers due to the seriousness of the incident.
Investigators are examining a claim of responsibility by a little-known group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, which has alleged links to pro-Iran networks. UK authorities have previously warned of Iran-backed plots targeting Jewish communities and dissidents across Europe.
Security stepped up
Additional security measures, including increased armed patrols, have been deployed in the area as a precaution. The Community Security Trust said it welcomed the arrests but warned that concerns within the community remain high.
Meanwhile, more than £1.3 million has been raised through public donations to support the charity, which provides free emergency medical services regardless of faith.
