Met Police Chief Warns of Grave Iranian State Threat After London Ambulance Arson
The head of the Metropolitan Police has stated that the force is investigating whether an Islamist group with potential Iranian state connections is responsible for an arson attack on Jewish community ambulances in London. Sir Mark Rowley described the rapid growth in recent years of Iranian state threats as grave, emphasising the seriousness of the incident while noting it is too early to attribute it directly to Iran.
Details of the Attack and Investigation
In the early hours of Monday, four vehicles belonging to the Jewish community ambulance service Hatzola were set on fire in Golders Green, north-west London. CCTV footage shows three suspects in hoods pouring accelerant on the ambulances before igniting them and fleeing the scene. Gas canisters inside the vehicles exploded, causing damage to nearby homes and blowing out windows, including those of a local synagogue, though no injuries were reported.
Scotland Yard is treating the incident as an antisemitic hate crime but not as terrorism. A video allegedly posted on Telegram by an Islamist group called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia shows a map of the location and footage of the burning ambulances. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams confirmed investigators are aware of this online claim but have not yet verified its authenticity.
Sir Mark Rowley's Statement and Community Response
Speaking at the annual dinner of the Community Security Trust, Sir Mark Rowley highlighted the increasing targeting of Britain's Jewish community by hostile states and groups. He praised the extraordinary speed and professionalism of local volunteers, CST teams, synagogue security, and Hatzola staff, noting their actions quite literally protected lives. He stressed that an attack on Hatzola, which serves people of all backgrounds, is an attack on the entire British community.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the horrific antisemitic attack, urging communities to stand together. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis called the targeting of the volunteer service particularly sickening. Jewish leaders, including Michael Wegier of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, expressed concerns over rising antisemitism, with many feeling less safe than in previous years.
Broader Context and Government Action
The attack occurs amid a backdrop of heightened tensions, including a deadly synagogue attack in Manchester in October 2025 and recent charges against two men for allegedly spying on Jewish locations for Iran. Official hate crime data shows Jewish people face the highest rate of religious hate crimes in England and Wales.
In response, the Government has pledged to fund replacements for the destroyed ambulances and provide immediate health support. Counter Terrorism Police are leading the investigation and appealing for public footage. Meanwhile, over 250 people attended a rally against antisemitism in Golders Green, with protesters chanting slogans and waving Israeli flags.
Sir Mark Rowley assured that additional measures are being implemented to protect Jewish communities, aiming to protect, be visible, offer reassurance, and keep people safe.
