Ambulances set on fire in London in ‘antisemitic attack’, PM condemns incident

LONDON: Four ambulances belonging to a Jewish community organisation were set ablaze in north London on Monday in what British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described as a “deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack.”

According to the London Fire Brigade, six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were deployed to control the blaze. Multiple cylinders inside the vehicles exploded, shattering nearby windows. No injuries were reported, and no arrests have been made so far.

Authorities said the incident took place near a synagogue in Golders Green. Security footage showed three individuals in hooded jackets approaching the ambulances shortly before they caught fire.

Police said the case is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, though not currently classified as terrorism. However, counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation due to the nature of the attack. Officials added that they could not yet verify claims circulating online regarding responsibility.

The Israeli embassy in London strongly condemned the incident, warning that a “climate of intimidation” must be addressed. In a statement, it said “silence and inaction are no longer an option,” calling for decisive measures.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan also condemned the attack and announced increased police patrols in the area.

“My thoughts are with the Jewish community waking up to this horrific news,” Starmer said, adding that antisemitism has no place in society.

The ambulances belonged to Hatzola, a volunteer emergency medical service that works alongside the UK’s National Health Service. The organisation said its services would continue despite the attack, while UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed the government would replace the destroyed vehicles.

The incident comes amid a rise in attacks targeting Jewish communities globally since the 2023 Hamas assault on Israel and the subsequent conflicts in the region.

Officials have warned that ongoing tensions, including the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, could further increase risks to community safety.