Prime Minister Condemns 'Horrific Antisemitic Attack' After Four Jewish Community Ambulances Set on Fire
Keir Starmer has condemned a "horrific antisemitic attack" that involved the arson of four ambulances operated by the Jewish community. He called for unity among communities in response to the incident.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the event is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime. CCTV footage shows three individuals setting fire to one of the ambulances in the early hours of Monday morning.
Police were called to Highfield Road in Golders Green at approximately 1:45am on Monday following reports of a fire. The ambulances belong to Hatzola, a Jewish charity established in 1979 and staffed by volunteers, which provides free medical transportation and emergency response services to residents in north London.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) dispatched six fire engines and around 40 firefighters to the scene. The fire damaged four vehicles, with several cylinders stored on the ambulances exploding and causing windows to break in a nearby block of flats. No injuries were initially reported.
Jewish community leaders strongly condemned the attack. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis described the targeting of the volunteer service as "particularly sickening".
Investigators are working to identify the perpetrators. It is currently too early to determine if the attack was inspired by any specific group.
The prime minister stated he had been in contact with Jewish community leaders and emphasized the importance of solidarity.
"This is a horrific antisemitic attack. And of course my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with those in the vicinity, the residents who are understandably very concerned, the Jewish community across the country deeply concerned.
I've already been in touch with community leaders this morning and will continue to do so during the day.
But antisemitism has no place in our society and it's really important that we all stand together at a moment like this."
A local resident described the arson attack as "terrifying." Sam Denciger, 44, a member of the Shomrim volunteer neighbourhood watch group, lives near Highfield Road and reported hearing an explosion around 1:40am that woke him and his family.
"As a local person, it's terrifying.
I am part of the Shomrim as well so we do hear about antisemitic attacks but we've never heard of anything like this. We would never suspect it."
The road where the attack occurred has been cordoned off by police.
Ministers have been urged to proscribe the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) following reports that an Iran-linked group claimed responsibility for the attack on the Jewish charity ambulances.
The Jewish Leadership Council (JLC), representing major UK Jewish organizations, has called for emergency legislation to designate the IRGC, which protects Iran's theocratic regime through various military and paramilitary forces, cyber operations, and proxy groups.
Ministers announced plans in May to introduce new laws to proscribe the IRGC. British Iranian campaigners have also urged the government to take this step, but it has not yet occurred.
Joshua Cass, JLC's public affairs officer, said:
"It's been almost nine months since the home secretary promised to implement to create a new power of proscription to cover state threats. We want to see emergency legislation introduced to do that immediately.
Not just for the Jewish community, but because there's this massive gap in our national security infrastructure that the Terrorism Act doesn't cover when it comes to groups who are state-backed or state-funded, like the IRGC."
Describing the attack as "horrific" and "gutwrenching," Cass noted that the Jewish community feels overwhelmed by a series of incidents, with the ambulance station seen as an "easy target" during early morning hours despite high security around Jewish communal buildings.
He added:
"It can't just be a case of just securing Jewish buildings anymore with physical security - society needs to take action and government needs to be part of this."
The video claiming responsibility circulated on social media purportedly originates from the Iran-linked Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia group and contains text in Hebrew, English, and Arabic. This group has previously claimed responsibility for attacks.
The Community Security Trust, which monitors security threats against Jewish sites in the UK, stated:
"The antisemitic arson attack against Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green has obvious comparison to similar recent attacks in Belgium and the Netherlands."
Chief Rabbi Mirvis expressed regret that synagogues, schools, and other Jewish facilities now operate behind walls and gates for security reasons.
Asked about government efforts to enhance security for British Jews, he told the Press Association:
"We are grateful for the significant amount of security which is being provided to us by our government in the same way as previous governments have provided, together with police forces.
You can never have too much security. The more we get, the better. Isn't it highly lamentable that our synagogues, our schools, our Jewish facilities, can now only function behind walls, behind gates? But that's the reality of the situation.
But together with that, while we are so shocked today and so saddened, nothing's going to terrorise or intimidate us to stop functioning in genuine strength."
The Jewish community will not be "cowed" or "intimidated" following the overnight arson attack, the Chief Rabbi affirmed.
"Our response is one of strength, of fortitude, of resilience. The synagogue alongside which this happened, they're going to be back in action, afternoon service, evening service, today.
And in fact, our response will be not only to continue in strength, but we're going to be much stronger, because we're not going to be cowed.
We're not going to be intimidated by terrorists, and this was a terrorist attack.
Nothing's going to stop us from standing tall as Jews and behaving in a way, according to our tradition, as proud British citizens."
The Archbishop of Canterbury condemned the "appalling antisemitic attack" in London. Dame Sarah Mullally said:
"My prayers are with the Jewish community after the appalling antisemitic attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green.
Such acts of violence, hatred and intimidation have no place in our society."
Damon Hoff, president of Machzike Hadath Synagogue where the ambulances were parked, stated that the community feels vulnerable.
"When you attack a place of worship, and you attack ambulances, you're going for the very heart and core of what's decent about this country, and there must be outrage for that.
The political establishment needs to know that there are many decent Britons that are going to feel vulnerable. In a time like this, this is, you need the very best of humanity.
The community is feeling vulnerable and feeling frightened, but we're not going to let that get us down."
He added that several hundred worshippers attend the synagogue.
"The synagogue is over 120 years old. It has got a lot of provenance. I think part of the provenance is maybe one of the reasons why somebody's claimed responsibility for the attack."
The London Fire Brigade received 56 calls regarding the fire attack on the four Jewish community ambulances, which involved the explosion of several cylinders stored in the vehicles, a senior fire service official said.
Paul Askew, deputy assistant commissioner for the London Fire Brigade, gave a statement at the scene in Golders Green:
"Early this morning, London Fire Brigade control room took the first of 56 calls reporting a fire on Highfield Road in Golders Green.
Upon arrival, crews were met with a well-developed fire involving four ambulances. Several cylinders stored within the vehicles exploded because of the heat, causing damage to the windows of a nearby residential block.
Residents from the immediate area were evacuated to a rest centre as a precaution while crews worked to bring the incident under control. The fire was safely extinguished overnight.
We understand the impact this fire will have on the local community, including our Jewish residents. The Brigade's community engagement team attended the rest centre last night to support residents that have been directly impacted by the fire.
Alongside our firefighters, they will continue to work with and support the local community in the coming days."
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said the Metropolitan Police will be increasing support for Jewish communities across London following the attack.
"We have already spoken to local community and faith leaders and will continue that work today. A specific policing plan focused on key community locations across the area is under way and will continue beyond the coming days as we move towards Passover in early April.
This attack comes at a time when fears are already heightened given global events and recent attacks targeting Jewish communities in other parts of Europe.
The Met Police stands shoulder to shoulder with our partners and communities. Together we take a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime.
We are stepping up our support to Jewish communities across London to engage, offer reassurance and take practical action to protect people and property."
Counter-terrorism Police Leading Investigation into Golders Green Ambulance Attack
Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation into the arson of four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green overnight, Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said.
Speaking at the scene, he noted the attack has not yet been declared a terrorist incident while officers assess the authenticity of an online claim of responsibility.
Police are searching for three hooded suspects; no arrests have been made.
"We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage. CCTV footage appears to show three people in hoods pouring an accelerant on to the vehicles before igniting them and fleeing.
While this has not been declared a terrorist incident at this stage, the investigation is now being led by counter terrorism policing with all the specialist expertise they bring, and all lines of enquiry remain open.
We are aware of an online claim from a group taking responsibility for this attack. Establishing the authenticity and accuracy of this claim will be a priority for the investigation team but it is not something we can confirm at this point.
There have been no arrests at this early stage, and we would urge anyone with information to please contact us as soon as possible - you can do so anonymously if you wish."
Barry Rawlings, Labour leader of Barnet Council, described the attack as "abhorrent."
"We are deeply shocked and appalled by this antisemitic attack in the heart of our Jewish community. The deliberate targeting of Hatzola's volunteer ambulances, in what the police are treating as a suspected arson attack, is abhorrent. We will do everything in our power to support the police to bring those responsible to justice.
Our thoughts are first and foremost with those affected - the volunteers who dedicate their time to saving lives and to our wider community who will feel understandably shaken and distressed by this attack.
Hate crime in any form will not be tolerated in our borough. An attack on one part of our community is an attack on us all. We stand in full solidarity with our Jewish residents and with all the other communities who make up Golders Green and who are feeling vulnerable today as a result of this cowardly act.
Thank you to the London Fire Brigade and the police who have been dealing with the incident and to my Barnet Council colleagues who have been working throughout the early hours as part of the response to this incident.
We are now focused on working closely with the police and our community partners to bring those responsible to justice."
A statement from the Metropolitan Police on the arson attack is expected shortly.
Sarah Sackman, Labour MP for Finchley and Golders Green and courts minister, condemned the "despicable, cowardly, antisemitic arson attack."
"I am horrified by the arson attack on Hatzola NW ambulances in Golders Green overnight. This is a despicable, cowardly, antisemitic act, which the police are treating as a hate crime.
Hatzola NW is staffed by dedicated volunteers who save lives from all communities. I know that many people across Finchley and Golders Green will have turned to Hatzola NW in their hour of need.
The perpetrators must feel the full force of the law. The police are appealing for witnesses and evidence. If you have seen or know anything, please contact them immediately on 1010 quoting CAD415."
The British Medical Association (BMA) criticized "deliberate attacks on healthcare services" as "reprehensible" following the arson attack.
BMA council chairman Tom Dolphin said:
"We are appalled to see this attack on ambulances that provide an important service to people in north London.
Antisemitism is abhorrent, and deliberate attacks on healthcare services are reprehensible, and this horrendous incident involves both. It is a relief that no-one was injured, but this makes the attack no less sickening.
Our thoughts are with the Jewish community in north London and across the UK."
Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated that the London Ambulance Service would provide additional support to ensure emergency callouts continue uninterrupted.
The government will fund the replacement of the four Jewish community ambulances destroyed in the attack.
Speaking from north London, Streeting said the prime minister and home secretary would provide further comments, adding:
"But when it comes to our response today, to support our friends in the community with the ambulance service, with London Ambulance Service, will today be providing additional support to make sure that the charity is supported to respond to anyone in need.
So the important message to the local Jewish community, indeed, to Londoners more widely, if you need help from the ambulance service, that they seek it, we will be there for you, but the Jewish community should not be left footing the bill for this despicable attack, which is why tomorrow morning, at the latest, we will have four ambulances in place to replace those that have been destroyed, and we'll be working to replace those ambulances on a permanent basis, and we will fund the replacement of those ambulances.
Those responsible for this attack must know that the Jewish community will not face up to this hatred alone. The whole country will stand with them."
An attack on four Jewish community ambulances was intended to make British Jews "be less visible" and "fear going about" their lives, Streeting said while pledging extra health support.
Speaking at the scene in north London, the health secretary stated:
"The aim of these attackers is clear. They want Jewish people in this country to live smaller lives, to live less Jewish lives, to be less visible as Jewish people, to fear going about Jewish life.
I know that the Jewish community will not be cowed by this despicable act of evil, but it is the responsibility of the rest of us not to be bystanders.
Every decent person in this country needs to stand up and speak up against this vile antisemitic hatred.
And of course, the best form of solidarity is practical solidarity, which is why today, our London Ambulance Service colleagues will be providing support to the team here in Golders Green to make sure that we don't skip a beat when it comes to responding to emergency callouts."
