Four ambulances belonging to a Jewish community service have been deliberately set on fire in London, in what police are treating as an antisemitic hate crime.
The incident occurred in the Golders Green area, where the Metropolitan Police confirmed that the attack is being investigated as a targeted act against the Jewish community.
Emergency services responded to the scene in the early hours, with the London Fire Brigade reporting explosions caused by gas cylinders inside the vehicles. The blasts also damaged nearby properties, shattering windows in surrounding flats.
The ambulances belonged to Hatzola, a charity founded in 1979 that provides free emergency medical assistance to the public.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack as “deeply shocking” and “horrific,” while Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed relief that no injuries were reported and called for unity against antisemitism.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis also responded, highlighting that the organisation’s mission is to save lives regardless of religion or background.
CCTV footage reviewed by investigators shows three suspects approaching one of the ambulances before setting it alight. Authorities are continuing their search for those responsible.
The attack has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about rising antisemitic incidents in the UK.
