An arson attack targeting ambulances operated by a Jewish charity in north London is being investigated by counter-terrorism officers, police have said, amid concerns over a possible hate crime. Get today's headlines by email Four vehicles belonging to Hatzola were set on fire in the Golders Green area in the early hours of Monday. The blaze caused several explosions due to gas canisters stored inside the ambulances, although no injuries were reported. Investigation Focuses on Possible MotivesThe Metropolitan Police said the incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime. Detectives are examining CCTV footage that appears to show three individuals dressed in dark clothing pouring accelerant onto the vehicles before igniting them and fleeing. Commissioner Mark Rowley said officers were exploring multiple lines of inquiry, including whether those responsible may have links to groups connected to the Iranian state. He stressed, however, that it was too early to draw firm conclusions. Authorities also confirmed that the incident has not formally been declared a terrorist attack at this stage. An online claim of responsibility by a group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya is being assessed, though police said its authenticity remains unverified. Community Impact and Emergency ResponseFire crews from the London Fire Brigade were called to the scene shortly before 02:00 and brought the blaze under control within two hours. Explosions caused by heated cylinders damaged nearby residential buildings, forcing around 30 people to seek temporary shelter. Residents described fleeing their homes after hearing loud blasts. The ambulances were parked near a synagogue, heightening concerns within the local Jewish community. Hatzola, a volunteer-run organisation providing free emergency medical services, has operated in the area since 1979. Its vehicles are used to respond to urgent medical calls and transport patients to hospital. Political and Public ReactionHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the attack as a “wicked crime” and urged anyone with information to come forward. She said perpetrators would be pursued and brought to justice. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government would fund the replacement of the destroyed ambulances and reiterated the need to confront rising antisemitism. London Mayor Sadiq Khan called the incident a “dark day” for the city, stressing the importance of solidarity with the Jewish community. In response, police have increased patrols in affected areas, including deploying additional officers and armed units to protect vulnerable sites. Investigators have also launched an online portal to collect public evidence. Wider Concerns Over Rising AntisemitismThe attack comes amid reports of increasing antisemitic incidents in the UK, particularly since the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Community leaders expressed alarm at the targeting of a service dedicated to saving lives. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis described the attack as “particularly sickening,” noting that Hatzola serves people of all backgrounds. Fundraising efforts to replace the damaged vehicles have already raised more than £1m, while emergency services have pledged support to ensure continued response capabilities. Police said investigations remain ongoing, with all potential motives and connections under review. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 24 March 2026
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