Counter-terror police to lead Golders Green arson probe

Counter-terrorism officers have taken the lead in the investigation into a ‘devastating’ antisemitic arson attack that destroyed four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green. While the Met Police have not yet declared the incident a terrorist act, specialist units are now examining an online claim of responsibility after hooded suspects were filmed dousing Hatzola vehicles with accelerant outside a local Synagogue.

Police were called to Highfield Road by the London Fire Brigade at around 01:45 this morning as oxygen canisters on board the vehicles began to explode. Four Hatzola ambulances were destroyed and 34 residents from nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution.

Hatzola is a volunteer-led ambulance service run by members of the Jewish community.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in north west London said: ‘‘This arson attack is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime. This is a devastating incident for our Jewish communities and we have launched an immediate investigation to identify those responsible.

“Our officers remain on scene to carry out urgent enquiries and to gather CCTV footage and other evidence.

“We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage. CCTV footage appears to show three people in hoods pouring an accelerant onto the vehicles before igniting them and fleeing.

“While this has not been declared a terrorist incident at this stage, the investigation is now being led by Counter Terrorism Policing with all the specialist expertise they bring, and all lines of enquiry remain open.

“We are aware of an online claim from a group taking responsibility for this attack. Establishing the authenticity and accuracy of this claim will be a priority for the investigation team, but it is not something we can confirm at this point.

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

“We have already spoken to local community and faith leaders and will continue that work today. A specific policing plan focussed on key community locations across the area is underway and will continue beyond the coming days as we move towards Passover in early April.

“This attack comes at a time when fears are already heightened given global events and recent attacks targeting Jewish communities in other parts of Europe.

“The Met Police stands shoulder to shoulder with our partners and communities. Together we take a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime.

"We are stepping up our support to Jewish communities across London to engage, offer reassurance and take practical action to protect people and property.

“If you have any information about what happened in Golders Green please come forward and call police on 101 providing the reference 415 of 23 March. To remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Paul Askew from the London Fire Brigade said: “We understand the impact this will have on the local community, especially our Jewish residents, and the Brigade’s Community Engagement Team attended the rest centre last night to support residents that have been directly impacted by this fire. Alongside our firefighters, they will continue to work with and support the local community in the coming days.”

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.