Hatzola ambulances set alight in Golders Green arson attack
CCTV footage circulating on social media shows three men approaching the vehicles and then fleeing the scene as flames appear
Police have launched a major investigation after an antisemitic arson attack on ambulances run by the charity Hatzola in the heart of London’s Jewish community.
At least three emergency vehicles were alight at 1.45am as explosions, caused by exploding oxygen tanks on board rather than bombs, were heard in the Golders Green area. The attack took place at the charity’s Golders |Green base in the car park of the Machzei Hadass synagogue, which was visited by Rishi Sunak during the 2024 election campaign.
Within half an hour, CCTV of three hooded men, one carrying a canister, was circulating across social media.
Local Cllr Dean Cohen, who was one of the first on the scene, described the sight that greeted him as “utterly shocking, terrifying”.
He told Jewish News: “The targeting of life-saving vehicles stationed the 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 and do more to tackle this hate running riot.”
Mark Gardner, chief executive of CST, told Jewish News: “This has obvious comparison to similar antisemitic arson attacks recently in Belgium and the Netherlands. CST thanks all those who responded from 999 emergency agencies; and Shomrim, Hatzolah and our own CST volunteers.”
Hatzola is a volunteer service which supports Jews and non-Jews in medical emergencies.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “My thoughts are with the Jewish community who are waking up this morning to this horrific news.”
Superintendent Sarah Jackson, who leads policing in the local area 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.
“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.”
At 2.50am Shomrim, the Jewish volunteer service that supports local police, said: “Emergency services are currently in attendance following a deliberate incident in which several Hatzola ambulances were set alight. The explosions were caused by oxygen tanks within the vehicles and were not the result of any bomb or explosive device.
They added in a statement: “Hatzola NW has confirmed that they remain fully operational and continue to deliver their essential emergency services without interruption.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police 101 quoting CAD415 of 23March or to remain anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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