Four Jewish ambulances set on fire in London, police probe antisemitic hate crime

London: Four ambulances belonging to a Jewish community emergency service were torched in north London’s Golders Green area, with Metropolitan Police treating the incident as a suspected antisemitic hate crime.

Emergency services were called to Highfield Road around 1:45 a.m. on Monday following reports of a major fire. According to London Fire Brigade, six fire engines and nearly 40 firefighters were deployed to bring the blaze under control, which damaged four vehicles.

During the incident, oxygen cylinders inside the ambulances exploded, shattering windows in a nearby residential building. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported.

Superintendent Sarah Jackson said the attack would understandably cause concern within the community, adding that officers are actively investigating the case. Police are reviewing CCTV footage and online videos and are currently searching for three suspects. No arrests have been made so far.

Officials also said that police presence in the area would be increased, with additional patrols and outreach planned with local faith leaders to reassure residents.

Local neighbourhood watch group Shomrim confirmed that the loud explosions heard during the incident were caused by oxygen tanks and not any explosive device. Some nearby buildings were briefly evacuated as a precaution.

Local councillor Dean Cohen described the incident as deeply unsettling, particularly as it occurred in the car park of a synagogue, calling it “chilling” amid rising concerns over antisemitism in the UK.

The incident comes at a time of heightened global tensions linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict, following recent military escalations involving the United States and Israel. London has also seen large protests in recent days, with thousands marching from Russell Square to Whitehall, reflecting growing public concern over the situation in the Middle East.

With inputs from IANS