Four Ambulances Torched in London in Suspected Antisemitic Hate Crime
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are treating an arson attack on four ambulances in London as an antisemitic hate crime. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, targeting vehicles belonging to the Jewish Community Ambulance Service in Golders Green.
Police Investigation Underway
Officers were called to Highfield Road around 1.45am on Monday after reports of a fire. Superintendent Sarah Jackson, who leads policing in the local area, stated that the incident will cause significant community concern. Police remain on scene conducting urgent enquiries, examining CCTV footage, and reviewing online material. Authorities believe they are looking for three suspects at this early stage, with no arrests made yet.
Superintendent Jackson urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasising that tips can be provided anonymously. She added that police will engage with faith leaders and carry out additional patrols to provide reassurance and a visible presence in the community.
Details of the Attack
The London Fire Brigade reported that around 40 firefighters responded to the blaze, which was declared under control by 3.06am. Multiple cylinders on the vehicles exploded, causing windows to break in nearby flats. Reports of explosions are believed to be linked to gas canisters on board the ambulances. Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution, and road closures remain in place.
No injuries have been reported from the incident. Shomrim, a neighbourhood watch group in Golders Green, noted that the explosions were caused by oxygen tanks, not a bomb or explosive device. They advised the public to avoid the area while investigations continue.
Community and Political Response
Health Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the attack in a post on X, describing it as "a sickening attack on Jewish ambulances." He expressed relief that there appear to be no injuries and called for anyone with information to contact the police, stressing the need to stand together against antisemitic hatred.
Golders Green ward councillor Dean Cohen, who was at the scene, told Jewish News that the location of the incident in the car park of a synagogue is particularly chilling. He said it will send shockwaves through the community at a time of already heightened fears over antisemitism in the UK, urging authorities to do more to tackle this hate.
Broader Context and Organisational Impact
The Community Security Trust (CST), a charity monitoring antisemitism in the UK, confirmed it is assisting police with their enquiries. In a statement on X, they drew comparisons to similar antisemitic arson attacks recently in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Hatzola, the Jewish charity operating the ambulances, was established in 1979 and provides free medical transportation and emergency response in North London. Shomrim reported that the Northwest London facility run by Hatzola remains fully operational despite the attack.
Local resident and councillor Shimon Ryde told the BBC that the incident is very shocking but not unexpected, highlighting the Jewish community's awareness of the dangers they face. The investigation continues as authorities work to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in this hate crime.
