Two men have been arrested on suspicion of an anti-Semitic arson attack in which four ambulances belonging to Jewish charity Hatzola were set ablaze in north London.The suspects, aged 45 and 47, were detained by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.Authorities called the arrests a “significant breakthrough” but warned that investigations were ongoing and CCTV footage suggested at least three people may have been involved.
Golders Green attack sparks fears
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning in Golders Green, an area with a large Jewish population. Oxygen and gas tanks inside the ambulance caused an explosion that shattered nearby windows and forced some residents to evacuate.While there were no reports of casualties, three ambulances were completely destroyed and another was severely damaged, raising concerns in the local community about a rise in anti-Semitism.British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the incident, calling it a “deeply shocking anti-Semitic arson attack” and claiming “anti-Semitism has no place in our society” as authorities continued to investigate.
Hate crime angle; investigating international connections
Police are treating the case as an anti-Semitic hate crime, but it has not yet been officially classified as terrorism. Due to the seriousness of the incident, the investigation is being led by counter-terrorism officers.Investigators are looking into claims of responsibility by a little-known group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, which is said to have links to pro-Iran networks. British authorities have previously warned that Iran supports plots targeting Jewish communities and dissidents across Europe.
Security measures strengthened
Extra security measures, including increased armed patrols, have been deployed in the area as a precautionary measure. The Community Safety Trust said it welcomed the arrests but warned concerns within the community remained high.Meanwhile, more than £1.3 million has been raised through public donations to support the charity, which provides free emergency medical services to people regardless of faith.
