Three Charged in Arson Attack on Jewish Ambulances in London
Three individuals, aged 17, 19, and 20, have been charged in connection with a concerning arson attack on Jewish community ambulances in north London. The incident, which occurred in the Golders Green neighborhood on March 23 around 1:45 a.m., involved four ambulances operated by Hatzola, a volunteer emergency service that supports the Jewish community. The ambulances were intentionally set on fire while parked in a synagogue lot.
The suspects, identified as Hamza Iqbal (20), Rehan Khan (19), and a 17-year-old, face charges of arson with intent to damage property and reckless endangerment of life. According to authorities, two of the suspects are British citizens, while one holds dual British and Pakistani citizenship.
All three were arrested on Wednesday across different locations in London. They did not enter pleas during a brief court hearing and remain in custody. Additionally, another suspect was taken into custody at the courthouse where the initial suspects appeared.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack, labeling it a “horrifying” act of antisemitism. He emphasized, “An attack on our Jewish community is an attack on us all. We will fight the poison that is antisemitism.”
A report indicated that an Iran-related group, the Islamic Movement of the People of the Right Hand, has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, officials have not officially classified the incident as terrorism, although counterterrorism police are leading the investigation.
Following the event, two additional men, aged 45 and 47, were arrested but later released on bail. Police have acknowledged the tremendous support received from the local community in the aftermath of the attack.
Commander Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London stated, “We will continue to work closely with local policing colleagues to ensure public safety.”
The Metropolitan Police are actively investigating the case but have not issued further comments as of now.
