Met Police Commissioner Cautions Against Premature Blame for Golders Green Arson
The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Mark Rowley, has stated that it remains "too early" to attribute Monday's arson attack on Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green to the Iranian state. The incident, which destroyed four vehicles in the early hours, is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime but not as terrorism, according to Scotland Yard.
Investigation Focuses on Islamist Group with Potential Iranian Links
Speaking at the annual dinner of the Community Security Trust (CST), Sir Mark revealed that investigators are examining whether an Islamist group with possible Iranian state connections was responsible for the attack. A video allegedly posted on Telegram by a group called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia shows a map of the location and footage of the burning ambulances.
"The rapid growth in recent years of Iranian state threats is grave," Sir Mark is expected to say. "Hostile state surveillance activity, twenty disrupted plots, and recent attempted attacks on the Iranian diaspora. None of this is isolated. It is part of a rapidly shifting threat landscape."
He emphasized that while the Iranian connection is under scrutiny, the final determination rests with counter-terrorism investigators. "It is too early for me to attribute last night's attack in Golders Green to the Iranian state – that is rightly for the counter-terrorism investigation to determine – but whoever was responsible, the impact is serious."
Attack Targets Volunteer Ambulance Service
CCTV footage shows three hooded individuals pouring accelerant on vehicles belonging to Hatzola, a Jewish community ambulance service, before setting them ablaze and fleeing. Gas canisters inside the ambulances exploded around 1:45 am, causing significant damage but no injuries. Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution, with residents reporting blown-out windows and terrifying experiences.
Sir Mark praised the "extraordinary speed and professionalism" of local volunteers, CST teams, synagogue security, and Hatzola staff, noting they "quite literally protected lives." He stressed that the attack on Hatzola, which serves people of all backgrounds, is an attack on the entire community. "There is no 'us and them'. There is only an attack on a British community."
Political and Community Response
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for unity in the face of what he described as a "horrific antisemitic attack," while Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said the targeting of the volunteer service was "particularly sickening." Jewish leaders met with the Prime Minister in Downing Street, with Michael Wegier, chief executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, expressing that Jews in the UK feel less safe now than in previous years.
More than 250 people attended a rally against antisemitism in Golders Green, with protesters waving Israeli flags and chanting slogans. The Government has pledged to fund replacements for the destroyed ambulances and provide immediate health support.
Broader Context of Rising Antisemitism
This attack occurs against a backdrop of increasing antisemitic incidents in the UK. Official figures show Jewish people experience the highest rate of religious hate crimes of any faith group in England and Wales. Recent events include a deadly synagogue attack in Manchester in October 2025 and charges against two men earlier this month for allegedly spying on Jewish targets for Iran.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, leading policing for the area, confirmed investigators are aware of the online claim of responsibility but have not yet verified its authenticity. Counter Terrorism Police are appealing for any footage of the arson attack as their investigation continues.
