Three more arrests over Golders Green Hatzola ambulance arson
Further suspects held as Jewish community reassured over increased security before Passover
Three more people have been arrested in connection with the arson attack on Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green, as security is stepped up ahead of Passover.
A 20-year-old man, a 19-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were detained in the early hours of Wednesday at separate addresses in east London. Officers are also carrying out searches at the locations.
All three were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life and remain in police custody. Two are British nationals, while the third holds dual British and Pakistani nationality.
The arrests are part of an ongoing Counter Terrorism Policing investigation into the attack on 23 March, where four vehicles belonging to Hatzola, a volunteer-led ambulance service serving the Jewish community in north west London, were set on fire at around 1.35am, causing gas canisters stored in the vehicles to explode.
Two other men arrested on 25 March have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said officers had been working “continuously” since the incident to identify those responsible.
“We know concern among the Jewish community remains high, but I hope these arrests show that we are doing everything we can to bring those responsible to justice,” she said.
She added that police would “continue to work closely with local policing colleagues to do everything we can to keep the public safe”.
The incident has not been formally declared as terrorism, but specialist counter-terror officers are leading the investigation due to the circumstances.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in north west London, said an enhanced policing operation is now in place, particularly around Jewish areas.
“We know local community concern continues to remain high – particularly for our Jewish communities as they now enter the Passover festival period,” he said.
He said the response includes “highly visible armed police patrols” and additional specialist resources, stressing the measures are precautionary and not linked to any specific threat.
In the wake of the attack, the Metropolitan Police deployed an additional 264 officers alongside specialist units including firearms officers, mounted police and drones to increase security in Jewish areas ahead of Passover.
CCTV footage previously released by police shows three hooded figures apparently pouring accelerant on the ambulances before setting them alight.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged communities to “all stand together” in response to what he described as a “horrific antisemitic attack”.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said the targeting of a volunteer emergency service was “particularly sickening”.
The Community Security Trust (CST) said it “welcomes the news of three police arrests this morning” following the “shocking arson attack on four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green”.
The charity thanked police for their efforts “throughout this vital investigation” and said that, as Passover approaches, security “will remain at a very high level”.
CST added it will continue working closely with police and government “to help strengthen the security of our community during this period”.
Shomrim North West London also thanked police and counter-terror teams for their “swift and ongoing efforts”, saying the increased presence provides reassurance “at a particularly sensitive time”.
Police have urged anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting reference 415 of 23 March, or Crimestoppers anonymously.
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