Counter Terrorism Police Take Over Golders Green Jewish Ambulance Arson Investigation As Online Claim Of Responsibility Emerges
Counter terrorism officers have assumed control of the investigation into the arson attack on four Jewish community ambulances in north London, as police confirm they are examining an online claim in which a group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in north west London, delivered a formal statement on Monday morning in which he disclosed that while the incident had not been declared a terrorist event, the specialist resources and expertise of Counter Terrorism Policing were now being brought to bear on the case. He confirmed that all lines of enquiry remained open.
The attack took place in the car park of a synagogue on Highfield Road in Golders Green at around 1.45am, where Hatzola — a volunteer-led emergency service run by members of the Jewish community — bases its vehicles for the area. CCTV footage reviewed by investigators appears to show three hooded individuals pouring an accelerant onto the ambulances before setting them alight and leaving the scene on foot. Oxygen canisters on board the vehicles exploded during the blaze, and 34 local residents were displaced from their homes, though all were returned relatively quickly. No injuries were reported.
All four ambulances were destroyed, though Detective Chief Superintendent Williams said Hatzola had confirmed its service remained fully operational and able to respond to emergencies.
Williams said the online claim of responsibility had been identified and that establishing its authenticity would be a priority for the investigation team, though he declined to confirm any details at this stage.
The statement also set out the broader policing response being put in place across the area. A dedicated policing plan targeting key community locations is already underway, with Williams confirming that heightened security measures would remain in place beyond the immediate coming days, particularly as the Jewish community approaches Passover in early April. The timing of the attack, he noted, comes against a backdrop of already elevated concern following recent attacks on Jewish communities elsewhere in Europe.
Officers have spoken with local community and faith leaders and are continuing that engagement throughout Monday. The Met Police said it was increasing its wider support to Jewish communities across London in the days ahead.
No arrests have been made. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Call 101 with reference 415 of 23 March, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
