Arson Attack On Jewish Charity Ambulances Under Counter‑terror Investigation

Arson attack on Jewish charity ambulances under counter‑terror investigation four ambulances operated by a Jewish volunteer charity, Hatzola Northwest, were set on fire outside the Machzike Hadath Synagogue in Golders Green, North London.

• The blaze was reported around 01:40 GMT and required six fire engines and about 40 firefighters to bring under control.
• No injuries were reported, but windows of a nearby residential block were blown out by explosions from oxygen cylinders onboard the vehicles.
• CCTV footage appears to show three hooded individuals pouring an accelerant on the ambulances before igniting them and fleeing.

• The Metropolitan Police initially treated the incident as an antisemitic hate crime.
• Because of the apparent severity and possible links to wider extremist activity, the case has now been taken over by UK Counter‑Terrorism Policing.
• Officers are investigating possible claims of responsibility online, including an unverified video from a group calling itself Harakat Ashab al‑Yamin al‑Islamia (an Iran‑aligned militant collective), but police have said it is too early to confirm terrorist status or link to broader networks.
• No arrests have been made so far; detectives are urging witnesses to come forward.

UK political and religious figures condemned the attack strongly

This incident comes amid broader concerns over rising antisemitism in the United Kingdom and across Europe, including other recent attacks targeting Jewish institutions following heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Law enforcement and community security groups emphasize that while this attack is being investigated for possible links with extremist groups, authorities are yet to confirm any direct connection to foreign acton

• Counter‑terror police continue forensic investigations and CCTV analysis.
• Police appeal for public information and potential witness accounts around Golders Green and surrounding streets.
• Security operations are being stepped up in Jewish neighbourhoods and near key community sites.