Jewish ambulances torched in Golders Green hate crime

An investigation has been launched after four ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a Jewish community ambulance service, were set on fire in Golders Green.

The arson attack is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.

Emergency services were first alerted at 01:40 this morning with six fire engines and around 40 firefighters attending the blaze on Highfield Road.

Multiple cylinders on the vehicles exploded and caused windows to break in an adjacent block of flats. Four of the ambulances were damaged by the fire and nearby houses were evacuated as a precaution and road closures remain in place. No injuries have been reported.

Superintendent Sarah Jackson, who leads policing in the local area, said: “We know this incident will cause a great deal of community concern and officers remain on scene to carry out urgent enquiries. We are in the process of examining CCTV and are aware of online footage. We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage.

“There have been no arrests yet, and we would urge anyone with information to please contact us as soon as possible - you can do so anonymously if you wish.

“We will be engaging with faith leaders and carrying out additional patrols in the local area as we continue our investigation to provide reassurance and a highly visible presence.”

The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said: “This is a deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack.

“My 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.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police 101 quoting CAD415 of 23March or to remain anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.