Police in London are investigating a possible Iran-linked group in connection with an arson attack targeting Jewish charity-owned ambulances in Golders Green. Four Hatzola ambulances were set ablaze in the early hours of Monday, triggering several explosions caused by gas canisters onboard.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said it was “too early” to directly attribute the attack to Tehran, but authorities are exploring all leads, including an online claim of responsibility by an Islamist group with potential Iranian state ties. The incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime rather than a terrorist attack.
The cordon was lifted on Tuesday morning, revealing burnt-out vehicles and damaged stained-glass windows at Machzike Hadath Synagogue. Despite the destruction, the synagogue reopened for prayer. Health Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed the government would fund replacement ambulances, and the London Ambulance Service delivered four new vehicles.
The chairman of Hatzola, Shloimie Richman, confirmed that funds raised after the attack will be used to build a new, secure headquarters. Police have increased security measures, deploying 264 officers and highly visible armed patrols to protect the Jewish community.
Iran-aligned group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya claimed responsibility for the attack via Telegram, though the claim remains unverified. The group has also claimed other incidents across Europe targeting Jewish communities. Counter-terror officers are leading the investigation, which includes monitoring online activity and assessing surveillance footage.
Officials emphasized the growing threat posed by hostile state-linked actors and reinforced their commitment to protecting Jewish communities in London. Iran’s ambassador to the UK, Seyed Ali Mousavi, was summoned by the Foreign Office over the country’s alleged destabilizing actions.
