KEY POINTS
- Four ambulances belonging to the Hatzola Northwest volunteer service were destroyed by fire in Golders Green.
- Explosions from gas cylinders on the vehicles shattered windows of a nearby apartment building.
- Authorities are searching for three suspects and treating the incident as a targeted antisemitic attack.
London’s Metropolitan Police have launched a major investigation into a suspected antisemitic hate crime in Golders Green. The incident occurred early Monday morning when four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity were set on fire. Emergency crews arrived at the scene shortly after 1:30 a.m. to find the vehicles engulfed in flames. This targeted attack has caused significant alarm within the local community and among national leaders.
The ambulances belonged to Hatzola Northwest, a volunteer organization providing emergency medical responses. These vehicles were parked in a lot adjacent to the Machzike Hadath Synagogue when the fire began. The London Fire Brigade deployed six fire engines and approximately 40 firefighters to combat the blaze. Crews worked for over an hour to bring the situation under control and prevent further damage.
The intensity of the fire caused multiple oxygen and gas cylinders on the ambulances to explode. These blasts were powerful enough to shatter windows in an adjacent block of residential flats. Residents reported feeling the ground shake as the vehicles were destroyed in quick succession. Police evacuated several nearby homes as a precautionary measure while firefighters secured the scene.
Fortunately, officials confirmed that no injuries occurred during the explosions or the subsequent fire. However, the destruction of the vehicles represents a significant blow to the community’s emergency medical capabilities. Hatzola Northwest relies on these ambulances to provide rapid life-saving care to residents in North London. The loss of equipment will likely impact the organization’s operational capacity in the short term.
Security footage from the area reportedly shows three suspects approaching the vehicles shortly before the fire started. The individuals were seen wearing dark clothing and hoods to obscure their identities. Detectives are currently reviewing extensive CCTV data from surrounding streets to track the suspects’ movements. No arrests have been made at this early stage of the investigation.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the incident as a deeply shocking act of antisemitic violence. He emphasized that such hatred has no place in British society and promised full support for the investigation. Other political and religious leaders have echoed these sentiments throughout the day. Local police have increased patrols in Golders Green to provide reassurance to the Jewish community.
The Metropolitan Police are urging anyone with information about the suspects to come forward immediately. They are specifically looking for witnesses who may have seen suspicious activity near Highfield Road overnight. Community leaders have called for calm while the legal process moves forward. This event highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety of religious organizations and their essential services.
