Four ambulances belonging to a Jewish volunteer organisation were set ablaze early Monday in north London, in what police are investigating as a deliberate antisemitic hate crime. The attack, which occurred in Golders Green a neighbourhood with a large Jewish population left the vehicles completely charred and shattered windows in nearby homes, though no injuries were reported.
Counterterrorism officers have taken charge of the investigation, despite the incident not being formally classified as terrorism. Detectives are now examining an online claim of responsibility from a group said to have links to Iran, working to determine whether the statement is genuine.
“We are pursuing all lines of inquiry, including an online claim of responsibility by an Islamist group who have claimed other attacks across Europe and have potential Iranian state links,” said Mark Rowley, commissioner of London’s Metropolitan Police.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack as “horrific,” stressing that antisemitism must be confronted with unity. He met Jewish community leaders at 10 Downing Street on Monday to discuss the government’s response.
The London Fire Brigade confirmed that four ambulances operated by Hatzola Northwest a volunteer emergency medical service were destroyed. Oxygen cylinders inside the vehicles exploded during the blaze, causing damage to an adjacent apartment block and prompting precautionary evacuations.
Security footage circulating online appears to show three hooded figures carrying a canister toward one of the ambulances moments before flames engulfed the vehicle. Police say they are searching for three suspects, but no arrests have yet been made.
The attack has heightened concerns about rising antisemitic incidents across Europe, prompting calls for increased protection of Jewish institutions and community services.
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