Two Suspects Released on Bail Following Arson Attack on Jewish Charity Ambulances
Two British men arrested in connection with a deliberate arson attack targeting four ambulances owned by a volunteer-run Jewish charity have been released on bail. The suspects, aged 47 and 45, were detained on Wednesday morning at separate addresses in northwest and central London, respectively.
Counter-Terror Police Lead Investigation into Antisemitic Hate Crime
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that searches have been conducted in the Kilburn and Kings Cross areas, where the arrests took place, as well as at two additional addresses across the capital. Counter-terrorism police are spearheading the investigation, which they initially classified as an antisemitic hate crime.
Both men were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and have been released under strict bail conditions until April, while the investigation continues. The attack occurred at approximately 1:35 AM on Monday in Golders Green, adjacent to the Machzike Hadath Synagogue.
CCTV Footage Reveals Hooded Suspects Using Accelerant
CCTV footage appears to show three hooded suspects pouring accelerant on the parked vehicles belonging to Hatzola, a volunteer-led ambulance service. A newly formed Iran-aligned group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI), has claimed responsibility for this attack, along with others in recent weeks in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Liege.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, stated: "We continue to work to try and identify all of those involved in this appalling attack and the investigation team is working around the clock to do this."
Armed Patrols Deployed to Protect Vulnerable Communities
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in northwest London, announced that armed patrols will be providing reassurance to vulnerable communities around London. He explained: "This includes specialist officers and capability being deployed alongside local officers to help protect certain locations and will also involve highly visible armed police patrols to serve as a deterrent to anyone seeking to cause our communities harm."
Community Response and Replacement Ambulances
On Monday evening, more than 250 people attended a demonstration against antisemitism in Golders Green. In response to the attack, the NHS loaned Hatzola four ambulances to replace those destroyed. Health Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed the government would cover the cost of the vehicles, while separately, £3.2 million has been raised online to help the charity find safer premises.
The attacks have been widely condemned by Jewish groups and politicians. Yossi Pincus, manager of the Hatzola organisation, warned that antisemitism is an "intrinsic problem nationwide" that is growing.
