An arson attack on four Jewish charity-owned ambulances in north London is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, according to the Metropolitan Police.
The attack occurred in Golders Green in the early hours of Monday, causing several explosions due to gas canisters onboard the vehicles, the Metropolitan Police said. No arrests have been made, but CCTV footage is being investigated.
Det Ch Supt Luke Williams stated that the attack had not been declared a terror incident "at this stage". He added, "We are aware of an online claim from a group taking responsibility for this attack. Establishing the authenticity and accuracy of this claim will be a priority for the investigation team."
Police Response
The London Fire Brigade was called to Highfield Road at around 01:40 GMT and the fires were brought under control less than two hours later. No injuries have been reported, according to the London Fire Brigade.
Deputy assistant commissioner Paul Askew said, "Upon arrival, crews were met with a well-developed fire involving four ambulances. Several cylinders stored within the vehicles exploded because of the heat, causing damage to the windows of a nearby residential block."
Investigation Underway
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urged anyone with information to contact police, stating, "There have as yet been no arrests, but the perpetrators must be in no doubt we will pursue them and make them face the consequences of this wicked crime."
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan described the attack as a "dark day for London", saying, "Jewish Londoners who volunteer to provide a service for all Londoners have been attacked for no other reason than because they are Jewish."
Community Reaction
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said the targeting of the volunteer ambulance service was "particularly sickening", adding that their "sole mission is to protect life, Jewish and non-Jewish alike".
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the government will fund the replacement of the four destroyed Hatzola ambulances, stating, "The idea that we live in a society where people should feel they need to hide their identity or their religion is, frankly, abhorrent."
Support and Condemnation
Tens of thousands of pounds have been raised across multiple GoFundMe pages to help rebuild the Hatzola fleet. Health Secretary Wes Streeting promised that the London Ambulance Service would be providing additional support to ensure that "we don't miss a beat" responding to emergency callouts.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis later told the House of Commons the damaged vehicles would be replaced on Tuesday. The volunteer-run Community Security Trust, which provides security and monitors antisemitism in the UK, said that it was assisting police in their enquiries.
