Counter-Terror Police Arrest Two Men for Alleged Antisemitic Arson on Volunteer Ambulances in Golders Green

Authorities have apprehended two individuals in connection with an alleged antisemitic arson incident in Golders Green, where volunteer ambulances were targeted with firebombs.

In response to the blaze, six fire engines and 40 firefighters were dispatched to Highfield Road, close to the Mchzike Hadath synagogue, around 1:45 a.m. on Monday. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.

According to Scotland Yard, two men, aged 47 and 45, were detained by counter-terrorism officers at their homes in northwest London. They face charges of arson with intent to endanger life.

The suspects are currently in custody at a London police station, where detectives are set to question them further.

The ambulances involved in the attack were part of a fleet operated by Hatzola, a Jewish volunteer organization known for providing free emergency medical services and hospital transportation.

The Metropolitan Police is believed to be hunting for a third suspect and has vowed ‘to identify and seek to arrest all of those who may have been involved’. 

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, which is leading the investigation, said: ‘We have been working around the clock since this appalling attack took place and this has led to these arrests being made this morning.

‘This appears to be an important breakthrough in the investigation, but we’re also mindful that CCTV footage of the incident suggests there were at least three people involved. 

Four ambulances were set on fire in the Jewish community of Golders Green in London

Three of the community ambulances were left in pieces and burned out after fires triggered explosions inside the vehicles

‘We fully recognise the local community will still be concerned and our investigation very much remains active and we will continue to work to identify and seek to arrest all of those who may have been involved.

‘I’d like to thank the public and particularly the local Jewish community in the area for their continued support and reiterate our appeal to anyone who might have information that could assist with the investigation to get in touch with us.’

The force of the blasts, believed to be gas canisters onboard the Hatzola ambulances, caused windows to break in a nearby block of flats. 

Residents were evacuated as a precaution, but no one was hurt in the attack on the service established in 1979 to provide free medical transport and emergency response to those living in north London. 

The synagogue, which is one of the oldest in Europe, had its roof damaged and stained glass windows smashed in the fire. 

Sir Keir Starmer condemned the ‘deeply shocking’ attack and said earlier this week that his ‘thoughts are with the Jewish community who are waking up this morning to this horrific news’. 

‘Antisemitism has no place in our society. Anyone with any information must come forward to the police,’ the PM said. 

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in North West London, said an ‘enhanced, bespoke policing plan and activity’ would continue in ‘vulnerable areas’ across London in the coming days and weeks. 

‘This includes specialist officers and capability being deployed alongside local officers to help protect certain locations and will also involve highly visible armed police patrols to serve as a deterrent to anyone seeking to cause our communities harm,’ DCS Williams said. 

‘I must stress that these are precautionary and not in response to any specific threat, and we continue to work alongside our colleagues in Counter Terrorism policing to support their investigation.

‘We will also continue to work closely with local communities and our partners to listen to their concerns and respond to these.’

The Met has stepped up firearms patrols to protect the Jewish community, sending an additional 264 officers to work alongside existing neighbourhood police deployed to ‘vulnerable locations’.

The force will also be utilising drones, and Scotland Yard chief Sir Mark Rowley has announced a strengthened protective security plan for Jewish schools, synagogues and community centres ahead of Passover.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.