Four ambulances belonging to a Jewish volunteer emergency service were destroyed in a suspected antisemitic arson attack in north London in the early hours of Monday morning, with police now appealing for the public’s help in identifying those responsible.
The vehicles, operated by Hatzolah — a non-profit organisation that has provided free emergency medical care to the Jewish community in north London since 1979 — were found burning on Highfield Road in Golders Green at approximately 1.45am. The London Fire Brigade confirmed that gas canisters stored aboard the ambulances exploded during the blaze, causing windows to shatter in a neighbouring residential block. Nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution, and road closures remained in place following the incident.
No injuries were reported.
The Metropolitan Police are treating the attack as an antisemitic hate crime. Unverified footage circulating online appears to show three hooded individuals approaching one of the vehicles shortly before the fire takes hold, with the group then seen leaving the area on foot. Superintendent Sarah Jackson, who leads policing in the borough, confirmed officers are actively reviewing CCTV and are aware of the footage. “We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage,” she said, adding that no arrests have yet been made.
Neighbourhood watch charity Shomrim, which operates in Golders Green, described the incident as a “targeted and deeply concerning” attack on a service it said was vital to the local Jewish community. The organisation said it was cooperating with police and relevant authorities to support the investigation.
Superintendent Jackson said officers would be increasing patrols in the area and engaging with faith leaders to provide reassurance to residents in the coming days.
Golders Green ward councillor Dean Cohen, who attended the scene, said the attack would “send shockwaves” through the community amid what he described as already heightened concern over antisemitism in the UK.
The Metropolitan Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, including on an anonymous basis.
Information can be provided by calling 101 and quoting CAD415 of 23 March, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
