Police hunt suspects after ambulance blaze sparks fear in Jewish neighborhood

Police in London are investigating a suspected antisemitic hate crime after four ambulances belonging to a Jewish volunteer emergency service were set on fire early Monday.

Emergency crews were called to Golders Green, an area known for its large Jewish community, following reports of a blaze.

The vehicles, operated by Hatzola Northwest, were severely damaged in the incident.

According to the London Fire Brigade, gas cylinders inside the ambulances exploded during the fire, shattering windows in nearby residential buildings.

No injuries were reported, and the fire was eventually brought under control, though residents were evacuated as a precaution.

Police said they are treating the incident as a possible hate crime and have launched an urgent investigation.

Superintendent Sarah Jackson confirmed that officers are searching for three suspects, but no arrests have been made so far.

Eyewitness Mark Reisner described hearing multiple loud explosions, saying the blasts were powerful enough to be physically felt. The attack has left residents “in shock,” he said.

Community organisations, including Shomrim, condemned the incident, calling it a targeted attack on a vital emergency service.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the घटना as a “deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack,” stressing that hatred has no place in society. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis also denounced the attack as “sickening.”

The incident comes amid rising antisemitic incidents across the UK following the Israel-Hamas War, heightening concerns within Jewish communities.