An arson attack on Jewish charity-owned ambulances in north London is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, according to the Metropolitan Police.
The incident occurred in Golders Green, where four Hatzola ambulances were set ablaze in the early hours of Monday, causing several explosions due to gas canisters onboard the vehicles. No arrests have been made, but CCTV footage is being investigated, as reported by the BBC.
Det Ch Supt Luke Williams stated that the attack had not been declared a terror incident "at this stage". Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urged anyone with information to contact police, saying "the perpetrators must be in no doubt we will pursue them and make them face the consequences of this wicked crime".
Police Response and Investigation
The Met Police has created an online portal for members of the public to share any video footage they have of the incident. Commander Helen Flanagan said: "We've already gathered a large amount of CCTV footage from the local area and taken a number of statements from witnesses".
The London Fire Brigade reported that crews were sent 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, but around 30 people were taken to a local shelter.
Reactions and Support
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the government will fund the replacement of the four destroyed Hatzola ambulances. Health Secretary Wes Streeting promised that the London Ambulance Service would provide additional support to ensure that "we don't miss a beat" responding to emergency callouts.
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 Response and Antisemitism Concerns
Many people in the Jewish community are concerned by the attack, with some saying it may be linked to wider global tensions. Reports of antisemitic incidents have risen in the UK following the October 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel.
The volunteer-run Community Security Trust (CST), which provides security and monitors antisemitism in the UK, said that it was assisting police in their enquiries. Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally condemned the "appalling antisemitic attack", while the British Medical Association criticised "deliberate attacks on healthcare services" as "reprehensible".
