Golders Green ambulance arson investigated over possible Iranian links

A suspected arson attack on Jewish community ambulances in north London is being investigated for possible links to actors aligned with the Iranian state, according to the Metropolitan Police.

Four Hatzola ambulances were set alight in the early hours of Monday in Golders Green, triggering explosions caused by onboard oxygen canisters and causing extensive damage to nearby buildings.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said officers were examining all lines of enquiry, including claims of responsibility made online by a group that has previously linked itself to incidents across Europe. He said it was too early to establish direct attribution.

Police believe three suspects were involved. The incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, though it has not been formally classified as terrorism.

The attack took place in the car park of the Machzike Hadath Synagogue. Burnt-out vehicles remained at the scene the following morning, with shattered glass and damaged medical equipment visible. Windows in nearby residential buildings were also blown out.

Damon Hoff, president of the synagogue, described the incident as planned and said there were indications of prior surveillance. Members of the congregation rushed to the building during the fire amid concerns for religious items inside. The synagogue reopened for prayer the following day.

The volunteer-led Hatzola service provides emergency medical response across several UK communities. Its ambulances are staffed by trained volunteers and operate in coordination with NHS services.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the government would fund the replacement of the destroyed vehicles. Additional ambulances were delivered within 24 hours, with support from emergency services.

At the same time, police are increasing protective measures for Jewish communities in London. These include additional officers, firearms patrols, drones and live facial recognition technology.

Sir Mark Rowley said there had been a rise in threats linked to Iranian state activity in recent years, including disrupted plots involving espionage, kidnap and assassination, a pattern reflected in recent reporting by UK Home Office.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said incidents of this kind had a significant impact on affected communities, with investigators working to establish both motive and any international links.

A group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya claimed responsibility online, though this has not been independently verified. The group has previously claimed involvement in attacks on Jewish sites in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The UK government has recently raised concerns over Iran’s conduct, with the Iranian ambassador summoned by the Foreign Office over what it described as destabilising activity.

According to Community Security Trust, incidents targeting Jewish communities have increased in frequency in recent years, prompting ongoing security coordination with police and government agencies.

The investigation is being led by counter-terrorism officers. Police say establishing responsibility will take time, but the priority remains identifying those involved and preventing further attacks.

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[Image credit | PA Media]

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