'Major Antisemitic Arson': Four Ambulances Owned by the Jewish Community Set on Fire in Northwest London

In the early hours of Monday, 23 March, four ambulances belonging to the Jewish community in Golders Green, Northwest London were deliberately set on fire. The Metropolitan Police are treating the incident as a 'major antisemitic arson' attack, sparking widespread concern across one of the capital's largest Jewish neighbourhoods.

Security footage captured three unidentified men igniting the vehicles, which belong to Hatzola Northwest, a volunteer-led Jewish emergency service. The attack has prompted a significant police investigation, heightened patrols, and urgent calls for information from the public.

Four Hatzola Ambulances Set on Fire

Law enforcement confirmed that four Hatzola ambulances were set on fire at around 1:40 AM on Highfield Road. The London Fire Brigade brought the blaze under control by 3:00 AM. Nearby houses were evacuated as a precaution, along with road closures.

The vehicles belong to Hatzola Northwest, a volunteer-led Jewish emergency service that provides 24/7 medical aid to the local area. It has served Golders Green since 1979.

Explosion and Damage to Nearby Buildings

Videos circulating on social media capture the scale of the blaze, with explosions echoing throughout the area.

According to The Mirror, the fire department confirmed that several gas cylinders on the vehicles detonated, shattering windows in a nearby block of flats. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. Police have since launched an investigation into what they are treating as an 'antisemitic arson attack.'

Security Footage Show Three Suspects

Authorities have obtained CCTV footage from the area, which captured three unidentified masked men setting fire to the vehicles before fleeing the scene. The footage has since been shared widely on social media.

A second camera angle from the security system shows the three individuals escaping the scene as the fire rapidly engulfed the vehicles. The speed at which the blaze spread highlights the intensity of the attack.

Authorities Appeal for Information

Superintendent Sarah Jackson, who leads the investigation, 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.'

Jackson said that an arrest has not yet been made: '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,' she added.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the incident to call 101, quoting CAD415 of 23 March. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

'Shockwaves' through Golders Green

Dean Cohen, Golders Green ward councillor, said that the fact that the incident took place in the 'car park of a synagogue is particularly chilling and will send shockwaves through our community at a time of already heightened fears over antisemitism in the UK.'

'It's beyond time for the authorities to wake and do more to tackle this hate running riot,' he added.

Local residents echoed the sense of alarm. One man said that he is 'reeling from the shock' after witnessing the ambulances go up in flames. Another local, Max Reisner, described the moment he arrived at the scene: 'You sort of felt it go through your guts. Very terrifying moment to actually see an ambulance go up in flames. We're all still reeling from the shock.'