- Counter-terrorism police are investigating an arson attack that destroyed four Jewish community ambulances in London.
- An Iran-linked group claimed responsibility for the fire which caused explosions and damaged nearby buildings.
- The British government pledged to fund replacement vehicles and increase security for the Jewish community.
Counter-terrorism officers are now spearheading the investigation into a late-night arson attack that targeted a fleet of ambulances in North London. The emergency vehicles belonged to Hatzola, a volunteer-led medical charity serving the Jewish community. Surveillance footage captured 3 hooded individuals pouring accelerants onto the vehicles at approximately 1:45 am on Monday before fleeing the scene.
The intensity of the fire caused several onboard oxygen cylinders to explode, shattering windows in a neighboring residential block. The London Fire Brigade responded to 56 emergency calls, deploying 6 engines and 40 firefighters to the Golders Green location. While no injuries were reported, residents were evacuated to a rest center as a safety precaution while crews worked to extinguish the flames.
An online claim of responsibility surfaced from Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, a group with reported ties to Iran. This organization has previously been linked to attacks on Jewish sites in Belgium and the Netherlands. Investigators are currently verifying the authenticity of this claim, although the incident has not yet been formally designated as a terrorist act by official authorities.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced that the government will provide full funding to replace the 4 destroyed ambulances immediately. He emphasized that the state would not allow the charity to bear the financial burden of this sickening act of hatred. In the interim, the London Ambulance Service is providing additional operational support to ensure medical emergency responses in the area continue without interruption.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis stated that the community will remain resilient and will not be intimidated by such violence. He noted that while synagogues and schools are increasingly forced to operate behind high walls and gates, religious services would proceed as scheduled. Leaders from political and religious sectors, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, have united in condemning the targeted strike against a vital healthcare service.
Police presence will increase significantly across London as Passover approaches in early April to reassure the public. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams confirmed that a dedicated policing plan is active to protect key communal locations. Officials are also facing calls for emergency legislation to address gaps in national security infrastructure regarding state-backed threats that may fall outside current legal definitions.
