4 Jewish community ambulances in London set on fire in suspected hate crime; video shows burning vehicles

Four vehicles belonging to the Jewish Community Ambulance Service were set on fire in Golders Green, London on Monday. British police treated the incident as an “anti-Semitic hate crime.”According to CCTV footage, three people were seen approaching an ambulance and setting it on fire. The suspect then fled the scene, sending smoke into the sky.More videos circulating on social media showed vehicles on fire and smoke spreading across the area.The vehicles belong to Hatzola Northwest, a volunteer organization that provides emergency medical response. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said four ambulances were damaged and multiple gas cylinders exploded, causing windows in nearby apartment buildings to break. According to the Associated Press, no injuries have been reported so far. Firefighters responded quickly and sent six fire engines and about 40 firefighters to the scene to control the fire. Police were called to Highfield Road, Golders Green, at around 1.45am local time following reports of a fire.Chief Constable Sarah Jackson, who is responsible for policing in the area, said: “We know this incident will be of great concern to the community. Officers remain at the scene conducting urgent inquiries. We are reviewing CCTV and online footage and believe we are looking for three suspects at an early stage. “No arrests have been made at this time and we urge anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible, anonymously if they wish.”“She added that more patrols were being deployed and police were engaging with faith leaders to reassure local communities, The Guardian reported. Shomrim, a community watch group in Golders Green, reported hearing a loud explosion early on Monday. They clarified that the explosion was caused by an oxygen tank inside the ambulance and not a bomb or explosive device. Some buildings were evacuated as a precaution, but there were no injuries.The Metropolitan Police are continuing to investigate the incident and authorities are urging residents to avoid the area while investigations take place.