The head of UK counter-terrorism policing has revealed a dramatic 50 per cent increase in national security cases involving hostile state activity, including Iran, over the past six months. This alarming statistic emerges as authorities investigate a suspected Iran-backed arson attack on four Jewish community ambulances in north-west London.
Golders Green Ambulance Arson Attack
In the early hours of Monday, four ambulances belonging to Jewish charity Hatzola were deliberately set ablaze in Golders Green. Chilling footage captured three hooded figures pouring accelerant on the vehicles before fleeing the scene. The fire triggered explosions from oxygen gas canisters stored inside, blowing out windows at a nearby synagogue and several homes.
Iranian Terror Group Claims Responsibility
A video purportedly from Iranian-backed terror group Ashab al-Yamin has surfaced on social media, claiming responsibility for the attack. While unverified, this development adds to growing concerns about Iranian state threats. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley warned that Iranian hostile activity represents a grave and rapidly shifting threat landscape.
Significant Increase in Hostile State Investigations
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor disclosed that National Security Act investigations, covering espionage and sabotage by foreign powers, rose by half in the six months to December. This follows a five-fold increase over the last four to five years, with Iran, Russia and China representing the primary concerns.
'We've seen a very significant increase in our work involved with foreign state activity, particularly around that top three of Iran, Russia and China,' Taylor stated. 'It is a significant part of our case load.'
Enhanced Security Measures
The Metropolitan Police will deploy an additional 264 officers alongside specialist teams including firearms, mounted branch and drones to bolster security for Jewish communities. This enhanced protection comes ahead of Passover in early April and follows the arson attack.
Community Impact and Response
Residents described terrifying experiences, with one Highfield Road resident reporting: '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.'
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for unity against this 'horrific antisemitic attack,' while Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis described the targeting of volunteer ambulance services as 'particularly sickening.' Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood pledged to pursue those responsible for these 'vile actions.'
Growing Antisemitism Concerns
Jewish leaders meeting with the Prime Minister expressed heightened security fears, with Board of Deputies chief executive Michael Wegier stating British Jews feel less safe than a few years ago. Official hate crime statistics show Jewish people experience the highest rate of religious hate crimes among faith groups in England and Wales.
More than 250 people attended an antisemitism protest in Golders Green, waving Israeli flags and chanting against Jew hatred. Campaign Against Antisemitism called the arson 'calculated' and 'despicable,' while former home secretary Suella Braverman noted the Jewish community faces 'normalised antisemitism.'
Ongoing Investigations and Support
Police continue investigating both the ambulance arson and broader hostile state activities. In a separate case earlier this month, two men were charged with allegedly spying on Jewish people and locations for Iran. The government has committed to funding replacement ambulances and providing immediate health support.
Three ambulances were completely destroyed in the fire, with a fourth sustaining significant damage. The police cordon was lifted and Highfield Road reopened by Monday evening as investigations continue.
