Men Released on Bail Following Arson Attack on Jewish Charity Ambulances
Two men arrested in connection with the arson attack on ambulances owned by a Jewish charity in north London have been released on bail, according to the Metropolitan Police.
In the early hours of Monday, four Hatzola ambulances parked at a synagogue in Golders Green were set on fire. The incident is being investigated as an antisemitic hate crime.
The suspects, British nationals aged 47 and 45, were detained on Wednesday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. They have been granted bail until April.
Cdr Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, stated, "There are strict bail conditions in place while we continue to investigate their suspected involvement in this incident."
She added, "We continue to work to try and identify all of those involved in this appalling attack and the investigation team is working around the clock to do this."
"I'd like to thank the public and particularly the local Jewish community in the area for their continued support," she continued, urging anyone with information to contact the police.
Although the case is not classified as a terror incident, counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation.
Police have conducted searches at addresses in northwest and central London linked to the two men arrested, with additional searches at two further northwest London locations on Wednesday.
CCTV footage from Golders Green captured three men fleeing the scene after setting the ambulances ablaze.
Security has been increased in areas with significant Jewish populations, with additional police patrols including armed officers deployed.
The BBC has reviewed CCTV footage showing three men approaching the synagogue in February. Members of the Jewish community believe this may have been a surveillance attempt preceding the recent attack.
The footage, now provided to police, shows a man attempting to pull on a locked door handle. When confronted, the individuals claimed they were searching for a local mosque.
Synagogue president Damon Hoff told the BBC on Tuesday that he was convinced the synagogue was under surveillance before the ambulances in its car park were targeted.
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