An arson attack on four ambulances belonging to a Jewish community emergency service in north London, the United Kingdom, is being investigated as an “antisemitic hate crime,” according to the Metropolitan Police.
The four Hatzola ambulances were discovered engulfed in flames after emergency services were called to Highfield Road in Golders Green at about 01:40 GMT.
“We are in the process of examining CCTV and are aware of online footage. We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage,” said Supt Sarah Jackson, who oversees policing in the area.
The London Fire Brigade said several cylinders inside the vehicles exploded, with the blast force shattering windows in a nearby residential block.
As a precaution, surrounding homes were evacuated and roads in the area were closed off. Police confirmed there were no injuries and that the fire had been fully extinguished.
Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were deployed to the scene, with the blaze brought under control by 03:06, the fire service added.
Hatzola, a volunteer Jewish non-profit organisation, provides free emergency medical response and hospital transport services.
It has operated in Golders Green, a community with a significant Jewish population in North London, since 1979.
Supt Jackson said: “We know this incident will cause a great deal of community concern and officers remain on scene to carry out urgent enquiries.”
No arrests have been made so far, police said, adding that officers are appealing for information from the public.
Authorities also confirmed they are engaging with faith leaders and increasing patrols in the area.
Eyewitness Ushi Gross told the BBC he heard a loud “explosion” shortly after 01:30 GMT and later saw “four ambulances” burning.
“We’ve all been woken up… by arsonists targeting the ambulances in our community,” he said.
About 30 residents were evacuated overnight and taken to a nearby shelter following the incident.
Local councillor Shimon Ryde said the ambulances were stationed close to a synagogue at the time of the attack.
“I was advised that the Hatzola ambulance centre had been attacked, which is right next to a synagogue,” Ryde said from the shelter.
“It’s very shocking, it’s not unexpected,” he added. “The Jewish community is very aware of the danger we live in.”
